The Abia State Government has introduced a new campaign advertising fee regime ahead of the 2027 elections, requiring presidential candidates to pay ₦200 million for permits to display campaign billboards and other outdoor promotional materials across the state. Governorship candidates will pay ₦150 million, while senatorial, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly candidates face fees of ₦100 million, ₦50 million and ₦20 million respectively.
The Abia State Structures for Signages and Advertising Agency (ABSSAA) said the fees are based on existing state laws governing outdoor advertising and are intended to regulate campaign materials, improve road safety, maintain the appearance of public spaces and generate revenue. Officials also said the charges would apply equally to all political parties and candidates.
The policy has already attracted criticism. Opposition figures and political stakeholders have questioned whether the charges could restrict political competition and conflict with provisions of the Electoral Act governing campaign financing.
