APC behind Abia billboard levy, Kenneth Okonkwo claims

Kenneth Okonkwo, a chieftain of the ADC, has leveled allegations against the ruling APC regarding the campaign billboard fees which have been introduced recently in Abia State. Campaigns & Elections

While talking to Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Friday, Okonkwo said that the APC has brought about a plan according to which the fee of N200 million would be levied for presidential campaign billboards while the fee of N150 million would be imposed for governorship campaign billboards.

He also mentioned that the Abia State governor, Alex Otti, had permitted the APC to use him in imposing such heavy fees on campaign billboards.

“It’s unfortunate that in Nigeria, the ruling party has made it impossible for the opposition to strive. In Abia State, you are hearing a huge amount for you to put up your billboards for N200 million for a presidential candidate.

“Now, multiply N200 million by 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, you would see the perfidy. Just an opportunity to advertise and tell Nigerians what you want to do. APC is a scourge that wants to destroy our democracy.

“I’m surprised that Governor Otti will fall for that. As far I’m concerned, that is an APC agenda using Governor Otti to make it impossible for the opposition political parties to campaign, and it’s really unfortunate,” Okonkwo said.

Very Nigerian reports that Abia State Structure for Signage and Advertising Agency, ABSSAA, placed N200 million fees on all 2027 presidential candidates who wish to display their political campaign structures in the state’s advertisement space.