Kenneth Okonkwo, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has described the high fees imposed on political campaign billboards in Abia State as a deliberate strategy by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections.
Okonkwo made the allegation on Friday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily.
He specifically accused Abia State Governor Alex Otti of allowing himself to be used by the APC to stifle opposition activities through the exorbitant charges.
“It’s unfortunate that in Nigeria, the ruling party has made it impossible for the opposition to strive. In Abia State, you are hearing a huge amount for you to put up your billboards, N200 million for a presidential candidate,” Okonkwo said.
He warned that if multiplied across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, the policy reveals a clear intent to undermine democratic participation.
“Just an opportunity to advertise and tell Nigerians what you want to do. APC is a scourge that wants to destroy our democracy,” he added.
Okonkwo expressed surprise at Governor Otti’s involvement, stating: “I’m surprised that Governor Otti will fall for that. As far as I’m concerned, that is an APC agenda using Governor Otti to make it impossible for the opposition political parties to campaign, and it’s really unfortunate.”
The comments follow a recent announcement by the Abia State Structures for Signage and Advertising Agency (ABSSAA), which set N200 million as the fee for presidential candidates and N150 million for governorship candidates wishing to erect campaign structures and billboards in the state. Lower fees were also announced for other categories of candidates.
Opposition parties have widely criticised the fees as excessive and potentially in conflict with electoral spending limits.
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