The Abia State Government, under Governor Alex Otti, has set the presidential campaign permit for billboards in the state at N200 million, drawing uproar from members of opposing political parties.
The Abia State Structures for Signages and Advertising Agency (ABSSAA) disclosed this on Wednesday. This occurred in Aba during a “Stakeholders Forum on Political Campaign Advertising Fees.
Mr Ndubuisi Nwaogwugwu, the Head of Department, Strategy, Innovation and Design, ABSSAA, pointed out that the levies are for political candidates at all levels and will serve as a significant revenue driver for the state.
“Presidential candidates will pay N200 million, Governorship candidates will pay N150 million, Senatorial candidates will pay N100 million, House of Representatives and Assembly candidates will pay N50 million and N20 million respectively.
“The schedule of Political Campaign Advertising Permit Fees contained herein has been approved by the Government of Abia State and apply throughout the approved election campaign period,” he said.
ABSSAA is Abia State’s regulatory body for advertising and signage. In Anambra State, ANSAA pegged the campaign permit for last year’s gubernatorial election at N50 million.
The Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ANSAA) reportedly raked in over N800 million last year. This was from the Anambra State gubernatorial elections last year, from the number of candidates that paid N50 million each.
Abia State governor, Alex Otti, has recently warmed up to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Last week, he received the first lady of the country, Oluremi Tinubu, in his state. The first lady visited the state to experience the Akwete heritage and support indigenous women of the state.
