The African Action Congress (AAC) governorship candidate in Abia State, Doris Ogala, has rejected the state’s newly introduced ₦150 million campaign advertising permit for governorship candidates, daring officials to remove her campaign billboards if she refuses to pay.
The actress-turned-politician made the remarks during a visit to the Abia State Structures for Signages and Advertising Agency (ABSSAA) on Thursday, where she criticised the policy as an attack on democracy and accused the government of using state regulations to frustrate political opposition.
N150 million
The directive, announced by ABSSAA, requires governorship candidates to pay ₦150 million for a campaign advertising permit. Presidential candidates are to pay ₦200 million, senatorial candidates ₦100 million, House of Representatives candidates ₦50 million, while state House of Assembly candidates are expected to pay ₦20 million.
According to the agency, the fees are non-negotiable and apply to all political parties. It said the policy is intended to regulate outdoor political advertising, promote public safety and ensure equitable access to campaign advertising spaces ahead of the 2027 elections.
