The Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS), a non-profit organisation, has appealed for downward review of campaign advertisement fees, recently announced by Abia State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ABSSAA) for candidates participating in the 2027 general election.
CEHRAWS expressed concern that the prescribed fees, particularly N20 million for the House of Assembly candidates, appear excessive and may constitute an unintended financial barrier to political participation.
The Abia State Structure for Signage and Advertising Agency on July 29, 2026, released approved political campaign advertisement permit fees in the State for the 2027 general election.
The agency announced N200million approved permit fee for Presidential candidates of all political parties that wish to display their political campaign structures in Abia State advertisement space.
Governorship candidates of all political parties in the State, who wish to use outdoor advertising structures are to pay N150million to ABSSAA, as campaign fees, while Senatorial candidates are to pay the sum of N100million, House of Representatives candidates are to pay N50million, and those contesting for State House of Assembly seats are to pay N20million.
The group in a statement signed by Okoye Chuka Peter, its executive director, demanded that the review of the charges should be done through broader consultation with political parties, civil society and other stakeholders, to ensure that regulatory fees remain reasonable, proportionate and consistent with constitutional guarantees and democratic principles and clearly define the services and advertising facilities covered by the approved charges to promote transparency and accountability.
While commending the Abia State Government and ABSSAA for introducing a framework, aimed at regulating outdoor advertising, promoting environmental orderliness, and ensuring accountability in the use of public advertising spaces, they
cautioned that democracy must never become an exclusive preserve of the highest bidder.
While affirming that government undoubtedly possesses the legal authority to regulate public infrastructure in the public interest, CEHRAWS however, noted that every regulatory policy must conform to the Constitution and the principles of democratic governance.
According to CEHRAWS, “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.”
The group noted that such charges risk favouring wealthy candidates, while placing smaller political parties, independent-minded contestants, women, youths and persons with disabilities at a significant disadvantage.
Consequently, they urged ABSSAA to publish the legal basis and methodology used in fixing the fees, review the charges through broader consultations with political parties, civil society and other stakeholders, ensure that regulatory fees remain reasonable, proportionate and consistent with constitutional guarantees and democratic principles and clearly define the services and advertising facilities covered by the approved charges to promote transparency and accountability.
They affirmed that regulating campaign advertising is legitimate; but noted that 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.”
CEHRAWS expressed commitment to supporting policies that advance constitutionalism, good governance, transparency and an inclusive democratic process, where ideas, not financial strength determine electoral success.
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