Abia State Government has announced that any political party’s presidential candidate who wants to use billboards and posters for campaigning must pay N200 million for a permit.
The Abia State Structures for Signages and Advertising Agency (ABSSAA) made this known on Wednesday in Aba during a forum on political campaign advertising fees.
Ndubuisi Nwaogwugwu, who leads the Strategy, Innovation and Design Department at ABSSAA, shared the details in Aba on Wednesday.
Mr Nwaogwugwu explained that this fee schedule applies to all political candidates in Abia and is based on ABSSAA and other laws regulating signage and advertising in the state.
“Presidential candidates will pay N200 million, Governorship candidates will pay N150 million, Senatorial candidates will pay N100 million, while House of Representatives and Assembly candidates will pay N50 million and N20 million respectively.
“The schedule of Political Campaign Advertising Permit Fees has been approved by the Government of Abia State and applies throughout the election campaign period,” he said.
Earlier, Onyebuchi Ememanka, the director general of the Strategic Communications Bureau in Abia, stated that the permit schedule is not open for discussion.
“It is about protecting lives on our roads, preserving the beauty of cities, and protecting the integrity of our democratic process.
“Dr Alex Otti’s leadership aims to create a good environment for political engagement with clear rules, transparent processes, and equal access.
“Please note this, for the avoidance of doubt, the Abia Government will not discriminate against any political party or any candidate,” Mr Ememanka added.
He mentioned that as long as the rules are followed, guidelines are respected, and fees are paid, every party's candidate will have the same chance to reach the public through outdoor advertising.
The DG stated that when parties choose to follow the rules instead of creating chaos, the 2026 election will serve as a model for a decent and mature political campaign period that sets future standards for engagement.
Sola Akinsiku, the president of the Out-of-Home Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN), expressed concerns about the campaign advertising fees set by the Abia government.
Mr Akinsiku stated that the association supports fairness, equity, and partnerships, and wants activities that reflect the realities of the Nigerian economy.
However, he noted that the rates are too high and could impact political advertising, leading to poor voter awareness, voter apathy, and disenfranchisement, which could further harm the political landscape.
Mr Akinsiku, represented by OAAN Treasurer Chinweuba Nwagu, called for better dialogue, respect for different opinions, and a more manageable approach to avoid harming outdoor advertising in Abia.
Kalu Kalu, the chairman of the African Democratic Congress in Abia, said if the ABSSAA law requires candidates to pay these amounts, the party would comply, but if not, the law should be dropped.
Mr Kalu pointed out that the Supreme Court has already ruled on outdoor permits, stating that local governments should collect such fees.
He argued that any law demanding a presidential candidate pay N7.2 billion for outdoor advertising across 36 states is unreasonable.
Green Amankwe, the special adviser to Governor Alex Otti on Investments and Public-Private Partnership, said the governor is dedicated to making Abia cleaner, safer, and better for businesses.
Mr Amankwe, who spoke on behalf of Mr Otti’s Chief of Staff, Caleb Ajagba, said good outdoor advertising needs proper rules.
He urged all stakeholders in Abia to ensure that public communications support peace, unity, and responsible engagement.
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