Elochukwu Benjamin
Aba
The Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS) has raised concerns over the campaign advertisement fees reportedly introduced by the Abia State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ABSSAA) for candidates seeking elective offices in the 2027 General Elections.
The group is warning that the charges could undermine inclusive democratic participation.
The State Government had earlier this week, announced a mandatory political campaign advertising permit fee structure through the Abia State Structures for Signages and Advertising Agency (ABSSAA) for candidates appearing in the upcoming elections.
Under the arrangement, presidential candidates must pay ₦200 million, while governorship candidates are charged ₦150 million to utilize billboards and outdoor campaign materials in the state.
State House of Assembly candidates are to pay the sum of N20 million.
Reacting to the development on Friday in a statement, the Executive Director of CEHRAWS, Mr. Okoye Chuka Peter, acknowledged the government’s constitutional authority to regulate outdoor advertising and public spaces but insisted that such regulations must not conflict with constitutional rights or democratic principles.
CEHRAWS commended the Abia State Government and ABSSAA for seeking to promote orderliness, accountability and effective management of outdoor advertising.
He, however, argued that every regulatory framework must align with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act, 2022.
Okoye cited Sections 39 and 40 of the Constitution, which guarantee freedom of expression and political association, as well as Section 42, which prohibits discrimination.
He also referenced the Supreme Court judgment in INEC v. Musa (2003), which affirmed that democracy thrives on openness, inclusiveness and equal political opportunity.
According to the CEHRAWS boss, “the reported fees, particularly the alleged ₦20 million charge for House of Assembly candidates, appear excessive and could create financial barriers that favour wealthy politicians while excluding smaller political parties, women, youths, persons with disabilities and other aspiring candidates with limited resources.
“Democracy must never become an exclusive preserve of the highest bidder.
CEHRAWS urged ABSSAA to make public the legal basis and methodology used in determining the fees, review the charges through wider consultations with political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders, and ensure that the costs remain reasonable and consistent with constitutional guarantees.
The group also called on the agency to clearly define the services and advertising facilities covered by the approved charges to enhance transparency and accountability.
While affirming that regulating campaign advertising is legitimate, CEHRAWS maintained that such regulations should not make political participation unaffordable for many Nigerians.
It reiterated its commitment to promoting constitutionalism, good governance and an inclusive democratic process where electoral success is determined by the strength of ideas rather than financial capacity.
Meanwhile, a viral video that trended on Friday, showed the Governorship candidate of the African Action Congress, AAC, Doris Ogalla outraged, while threatening the government and its agencies over the campaign permit fee.
