UMUAHIA – The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has faulted new campaign advertising rates announced by the Abia State Structure for Signage and Advertising Agency, ABSSAA, saying the charges violate provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
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‎In a statement released on Friday, and signed by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Uche Aguoru, the APC said ABSSAA pegged advertising fees at ₦200 million for presidential candidates, ₦150 million for governorship candidates, ₦100 million for senatorial candidates, ₦50 million for House of Representatives candidates, and ₦20 million for State House of Assembly candidates.
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‎The party described the policy as unlawful and anti-democratic, accusing the Labour Party administration of Governor Alex Otti of using state institutions to create financial barriers against opposition candidates.
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‎Citing Section 92 of the Electoral Act 2026 as amended, the APC said the charges are inconsistent with legally approved campaign spending limits. The party argued that requiring a State Assembly candidate to pay ₦20 million for outdoor advertising alone constitutes 20 percent of the total allowable expenditure.
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‎The APC further described the policy as “an indirect tax on democracy” that restricts political participation to the wealthy and those with access to state resources.
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‎The party called on INEC and relevant regulatory agencies to intervene and compel the Abia State Government to withdraw the charges immediately. It also vowed to challenge the policy through all lawful means.
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‎Reactions have trailed the announcement of the rates. The PDP and the AAC governorship candidate, Doris Ogala, have also faulted the Abia State government over the rates.
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APC Faults ABSSAA Ad Charges, Says Rates Violate Electoral Act
