Rights Group Questions Political Campaign Billboard Fees in Abia State
The Abia State Government is facing stiff criticism for imposing hundreds of millions of Naira as fees for political parties and their candidates to advertise their campaign messages on billboards in the state.
The campaign billboard fees announced by the Abia State Structures for Signage and Advertisement Agency include Two Hundred Million Naira for presidential candidates.
Others are One Hundred and Fifty Million Naira for governorship candidates; One Hundred Million Naira for senatorial candidates; Fifty Million Naira for House of Representatives candidates; and Twenty Million Naira for State House of Assembly candidates.
A civic rights group operating in Nigeria’s Southeast Geopolitical Zone, known as the Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society, said the billboard campaign fees undermine the right to freedom of expression guaranteed under Sections 39 and 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999.
CHUKA PETER OKOYE, the Executive Director of CEHRAWS, said while the state government “undoubtedly possesses the legal authority to regulate public infrastructure in the public interest”, regulatory policies must conform to the Constitution and the principles of democratic governance.
“Sections 39 and 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) guarantee the rights to freedom of expression and political association, while Section 42 prohibits discriminatory treatment. Similarly, the Electoral Act, 2022 promotes equal political participation and prohibits unfair practices capable of conferring undue advantage on any candidate or political party. In INEC v. Musa (2003), the Supreme Court reaffirmed that democracy thrives on openness, inclusiveness and equal political opportunity, and that participation in the democratic process cannot be subjected to arbitrary restrictions.”
OKOYE said in a statement that the CEHRAWS was concerned that the prescribed fees appear excessive and may constitute an unintended financial barrier to political participation. “Such charges risk favouring wealthy candidates while placing smaller political parties, independent-minded contestants, women, youths and persons with disabilities at a significant disadvantage.
Emphasizing that democracy must never become an exclusive preserve of the highest bidder, OKOYE said the CEHRAWS respectfully urges the Abia State Government, through the ABSSAA to publish the legal basis and methodology used in fixing the fees.
He also called for the review of the charges through broader consultations with political parties, civil society and other stakeholders, as well as to ensure that regulatory fees remain reasonable, proportionate and consistent with constitutional guarantees and democratic principles.
OKOYE noted that while regulating campaign advertising is legitimate; pricing democratic participation beyond the reach of many Nigerians is not. A truly democratic society is measured not by how much candidates can pay to be heard, but by how fairly every qualified candidate can access the electorate.
He said CEHRAWS remains committed to supporting policies that advance constitutionalism, good governance, transparency and an inclusive democratic process where ideas, not financial strength determine electoral success.