APC Governorship Candidate Eric Opah Rejects Abia Campaign Advertisement Fees, Demands Reversal

The All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Abia State, Eric Opah, has condemned the campaign advertisement fees introduced by the Abia State Structure for Signage and Advertisement Agency for candidates participating in the 2027 general elections.

In a statement, Opah described the policy as excessive and argued that it would make it difficult for many candidates to participate in the electoral process.

According to him, the new fee schedule requires governorship candidates to pay ₦150 million to display campaign posters and banners in approved locations across the state. Senate candidates are expected to pay ₦100 million, House of Representatives candidates ₦50 million, while State House of Assembly candidates are to pay ₦20 million.

Opah maintained that while government has the responsibility to regulate outdoor advertising, such regulation should not become a barrier to political participation.

He argued that democracy should be driven by ideas, competence, character and public support rather than the financial capacity of candidates.

The APC governorship candidate also accused the present administration of adopting practices it previously criticised while in opposition, saying the policy could create the impression that the political environment was being tilted in favour of those already in government.

He called on Governor Alex Otti and the management of the Abia State Structure for Signage and Advertisement Agency to suspend the implementation of the fees and engage political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to develop what he described as a fair and transparent framework for regulating campaign advertising.

Opah further stated that public institutions should serve all citizens without discrimination and should not be used to create obstacles for political opponents.

He reaffirmed his commitment to conducting a peaceful issue based campaign and expressed confidence that Abia residents would support what he described as a level playing field ahead of the 2027 elections.