Doris Ogala Rejects ₦150m Billboard Fee in Abia, questioning campaign advertising costs and calling for fairness ahead of the 2027 election
Action Congress (AAC) governorship candidate in Abia State, Doris Ogala, has criticised the reported ₦150 million billboard charge imposed on governorship candidates seeking to display campaign advertisements in the state, describing the fee as excessive and unfair.
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Doris Ogala made the remarks in a video shared on X, where she questioned how candidates without strong political backing could afford the amount required for campaign visibility ahead of the 2027 elections.
“People are dying in the hospital. Workers are dying. Their salaries have not been paid, and you are imposing 150 million naira for a candidate. Where will I get the money from?” Ogala said.
She added that she does not have a political sponsor with access to public resources to fund such expenses.
“Do I have a godfather who has stolen government funds? I should pay 150 million naira. I dare anybody to touch my billboard. All of us will campaign without a billboard in this state,” she said.
The controversy follows a reported decision by the Abia State Signage and Advertising Agency (ABSSAA) to introduce campaign advertising fees for political candidates using public advertising spaces in the state.
According to reports, ABSSAA placed a ₦200 million charge on presidential candidates and ₦150 million on governorship candidates seeking approval for campaign billboards and related political advertising structures during the 2027 election season.
The development has triggered debate among political actors and observers, with critics arguing that high advertising costs could disadvantage smaller parties and independent candidates who lack access to large campaign funds.
Supporters of regulated signage fees, however, have argued that government agencies have a responsibility to manage public advertising spaces and ensure compliance with established guidelines.
Doris Ogala, who is seeking to represent the AAC in the Abia governorship race, said she would continue engaging voters through other means if billboard restrictions remain in place.
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The issue adds to wider discussions around campaign financing, political participation and equal opportunities for candidates ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
