The newly introduced political campaign permit fees announced by the Abia State Signage and Advertising Agency (ABSSAA) have continued to generate reactions, with actress Doris Ogala and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, criticizing the policy.
Ogala described the ₦150 million permit fee for governorship candidates as excessive, arguing that it could discourage political participation and place undue financial pressure on candidates and entrepreneurs.
She maintained that democracy should provide equal opportunities for all contestants, warning that imposing high campaign permit fees could limit fair political competition.
Ogala also questioned the timing of the policy, noting that many residents were grappling with economic hardship and other pressing welfare challenges.
She disclosed that she personally visited the Abia State Signage and Advertising Agency to verify the authenticity of the directive after it generated widespread public attention.
Also reacting, AAC presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore criticized the policy in a post on his social media page, describing it as disappointing and questioning the administration’s approach to governance.
Responding to the criticism, the Head of Administration of ABSSAA defended the policy, stating that all registered political parties were invited to a stakeholders’ engagement where the new permit fees were presented before receiving government approval.
The agency maintained that the fee regime is an official government policy aimed at regulating political outdoor advertising and ensuring compliance with established standards ahead of the 2027 general elections.
