The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has opposed the new outdoor campaign advertisement fees introduced by the Abia State Signage and Advertising Agency ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing the charges as excessive and potentially inconsistent with the Electoral Act.
Under the new fee structure, presidential candidates are expected to pay ₦200 million for outdoor campaign advertisements across the state, while governorship candidates will pay ₦150 million. Senatorial candidates are to pay ₦150 million, House of Representatives candidates ₦50 million, and House of Assembly candidates ₦20 million.
Reacting to the announcement made in Aba, the Chairman of the ADC in Abia State, Kalu Kalu, questioned the justification for the charges, arguing that they could exceed the campaign spending limits provided under the Electoral Act.
According to him, the new fees could place an unnecessary financial burden on political parties and candidates, particularly those without significant financial resources, thereby undermining the principle of fair political competition.
Kalu maintained that imposing such high advertising costs could discourage credible candidates from participating effectively in the electoral process and create an uneven playing field ahead of the 2027 elections.
He called on the Abia State Signage and Advertising Agency to immediately review the fees and introduce more reasonable charges that would encourage equal participation by all political parties.
The ADC chairman also urged the agency to ensure that its policies align with the Electoral Act and do not become obstacles to democratic participation or transparent electoral campaigns.
Despite the criticism, the Abia State Signage and Advertising Agency defended the new policy, insisting that the charges were not designed to target or discriminate against any political party or candidate.
The agency maintained that the fee structure applies equally to all contestants and political parties participating in the 2027 elections.
