ADC Rejects Abia's New Campaign Advertising Fees, Warns of Electoral Fairness Concerns

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New Campaign Advertising Charges Spark Political Debate in Abia

A fresh policy introduced by the Abia State Signage and Advertising Agency has triggered debate ahead of the 2027 general elections, following the announcement of new fees for political campaign advertisements across the state.

The revised charges affect candidates contesting various elective positions, with presidential and governorship aspirants facing the highest advertising costs under the new schedule.

How the New Fee Structure Is Arranged

According to the agency, presidential candidates seeking to display outdoor campaign materials in Abia State will be required to pay ₦200 million.

Governorship candidates are expected to pay ₦150 million, while the same amount applies to those contesting senatorial seats.

Candidates seeking election into the House of Representatives will pay ₦50 million, whereas House of Assembly aspirants are expected to pay ₦20 million.

The new pricing policy was officially announced in Aba on Wednesday.

ADC Questions the Policy

The announcement immediately drew objections from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Abia State.

Speaking after the unveiling of the fee schedule, the party’s state chairman, Kalu Kalu, challenged the basis for the charges, arguing that the figures appeared excessively high for political campaigns.

He was accompanied at the event by the party’s House of Assembly candidate for Arochukwu Constituency, Francess Ogbonnaya Tabitha.

Concerns Over the Electoral Act

Beyond the size of the fees, the ADC argued that the new policy should be examined alongside existing provisions of Nigeria’s Electoral Act.

According to Kalu, campaign expenditure limits established under the law raise questions about whether the advertising charges are proportionate.

“Has it not exceeded the election expenses that are provided by the Electoral Act?” he asked while reacting to the announcement.

The party believes the issue deserves careful consideration to ensure campaign regulations remain consistent with existing electoral legislation.

Warning About Competition Among Political Parties

The ADC also expressed concern that the financial requirements could influence the competitiveness of the 2027 elections.

According to the party, candidates and smaller political organisations with limited financial resources may struggle to fund outdoor campaigns if the current rates remain unchanged.

It argued that such a situation could affect equal participation during the election period and create additional financial pressure on opposition parties.

Call for a Policy Review

Following its objections, the ADC appealed to the Abia State Signage and Advertising Agency to reconsider the newly announced fees.

The party urged the agency to adopt rates that it considers more reasonable while ensuring that campaign advertising policies do not become obstacles to political participation.

According to Kalu, reviewing the charges would help preserve fairness for all parties preparing for the 2027 electoral contest.

Agency Defends Its Position

Despite the criticism, the Abia State Signage and Advertising Agency insisted that the policy was introduced without political bias.

Officials maintained that the fee structure applies uniformly and was not designed to favour or disadvantage any political party or candidate.

The agency also rejected suggestions that the new advertising policy discriminates against opposition parties.

Election Focus

The disagreement highlights one of the early policy debates likely to shape preparations for the 2027 general elections.

While government agencies have responsibilities relating to regulation and public administration, political parties continue to scrutinise measures they believe could affect campaign activities.

Whether the announced fees remain unchanged or are reviewed following consultations may become an important issue as electioneering activities gather momentum across the country.

At a Glance

The Abia State Signage and Advertising Agency has introduced new outdoor campaign advertising fees for the 2027 elections.
Presidential candidates are expected to pay ₦200 million, while governorship and senatorial candidates will each pay ₦150 million.
The ADC says the charges are excessive and may conflict with spending provisions contained in the Electoral Act.
The party has called for a downward review of the fees, arguing that they could affect electoral fairness.
The agency insists the policy applies equally to every political party and is not intended to discriminate against any candidate.