African Action Congress (AAC) governorship candidate in Abia State, Doris Ogala, has accused Governor Alex Otti’s administration of using a ₦150 million campaign billboard permit fee to intimidate opposition candidates ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Speaking during a visit to the Abia State Structures for Signages and Advertising Agency (ABSSAA), Ogala rejected the newly introduced permit fee, insisting she would not pay the amount.
The actress-turned-politician described the policy as an attempt to exclude ordinary Nigerians from contesting elections, arguing that the fee was beyond the reach of many aspirants.
The Abia State Government recently directed governorship candidates to pay ₦150 million for campaign advertising permits, while presidential candidates are to pay ₦200 million, senatorial candidates ₦100 million, House of Representatives candidates ₦50 million, and House of Assembly candidates ₦20 million.
According to ABSSAA, the charges are intended to regulate outdoor political advertising, enhance public safety and ensure equitable access to advertising spaces ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Questioning the rationale behind the policy, Ogala said the state should prioritise addressing the economic challenges facing residents, including unpaid salaries and the welfare of workers and pensioners.
She also challenged authorities to remove her campaign materials if she refused to pay the fee, alleging that the policy was specifically designed to undermine her candidacy.
Ogala urged the state government to withdraw the directive, warning that opposition candidates may be forced to campaign without billboards if the policy remains in place.
