Political parties preparing for the 2027 general elections may now have to spend far more to campaign in Abia State after the state government announced a ₦200 million permit fee for presidential campaign billboards and other outdoor advertisements.
The announcement has already generated strong reactions from political stakeholders and advertising professionals.
The development comes as political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections.
The new fee schedule was unveiled on Wednesday during a stakeholders’ forum organised by the Abia State Structures for Signages and Advertising Agency (ABSSAA) in Aba.
The event, themed “Order in Outdoors: Partnership for Safe Campaigns, Sustainable Revenue and A Cleaner Abia,” brought together stakeholders in the advertising and political sectors.
Speaking during the forum, the Head of Strategy, Innovation and Design at ABSSAA, Ndubuisi Nwaogwugwu, announced the approved rates for political campaign advertisements across the state.
According to him, presidential candidates will pay ₦200 million to obtain permits for billboards, posters and other outdoor campaign materials.
Governorship candidates will be required to pay ₦150 million, while senatorial candidates will pay ₦100 million.
In addition, candidates contesting for the House of Representatives will pay ₦50 million, while House of Assembly candidates will pay ₦20 million.
State officials explained that the policy was introduced to regulate outdoor political campaigns and maintain order across the state.
Furthermore, the government said the guidelines would ensure that every political party enjoys equal access to approved advertising spaces without discrimination.
Officials also noted that compliance with the regulations would remain a key condition for obtaining campaign permits.
However, the announcement has attracted criticism from industry stakeholders.
The Out-of-Home Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN) described the charges as excessive and difficult for many political actors to sustain.
The association argued that the new rates could negatively affect campaign advertising and reduce participation within the outdoor advertising industry.
Meanwhile, the Abia State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) also questioned the legal basis for the charges.
According to the party, previous Supreme Court judgments placed the responsibility for collecting such fees on local government councils rather than state agencies.
The party maintained that the legal position should be respected before implementing any new policy affecting political campaign advertisements.
Despite the growing concerns, the Abia State Government has maintained that the policy is designed to improve regulation, generate sustainable revenue and create a cleaner outdoor environment.
In addition, stakeholders expect further discussions between government agencies,
