The Abia State Structure for Signage and Advertising Agency (ABSSAA) has introduced a new fee structure for political campaign advertisements ahead of the 2027 elections. Presidential candidates must pay N200 million to display campaign materials in the state, while gubernatorial hopefuls face a charge of N150 million.
Ndubuisi Nwogwugwu, the agency’s Director of Strategy and Innovation, announced these rates during a stakeholders meeting in Aba. Additional fees include N100 million for senatorial candidates, N50 million for House of Representatives aspirants, and N20 million for those running for the State House of Assembly. These payments are valid throughout the campaign and election cycle.
To assist legislative candidates, the agency noted that those unable to afford individual billboard fees may participate in shared campaign structures alongside their party’s governorship candidate. ABSSAA warned that any unauthorized advertisements or those deemed a threat to public safety will be removed.
While Onyebuchi Ememanka, the Director General of the Bureau of Strategic Communication, insisted the fees apply to all parties equally, the policy has faced criticism. Kalu Kalu, Chairman of the African Democratic Congress in Abia, voiced his opposition, arguing the fees violate the Nigerian Electoral Act and hinder fair competition.
