Ebonyi opposition protests proposed ₦150m billboard fee

By Anayo Okoli Opposition parties and residents of Ebonyi State have criticised a proposed ₦150 million fee for political campaign billboards, describing the measure as excessive and warning that it could restrict political competition ahead of the 2027 elections. The controversy followed a motion by the Deputy Chief Whip of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Hon.

Arinze Lucas Chukwu, seeking to address what he described as the indiscriminate pasting of political posters and erection of billboards in the state capital. Opposition figures, however, argued that the proposed fee could make it difficult for parties and candidates outside the ruling party to publicise their campaigns. The governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2027 election, Dr.

Kingsley Agbor, described the proposal as “unfortunate and devastating”. Agbor accused the administration of Governor Francis Nwifuru of attempting to restrict the political space for opposition parties. He said the proposed fee could undermine democratic participation and recalled the sacrifices made by Nigerians in the struggle to end military rule.

“The government of Nwifuru once again wants to stifle the political space for the opposition political parties to operate. This is seen with this outrageous cost of elections and campaign billboards,” he said. Agbor alleged that the proposal reflected a desire to establish a one-party state, adding that opposition parties should not be silenced in a democracy.

The governorship candidate of the Labour Party, Chief Splendour Oko-Eze, also condemned the proposal, describing it as an attempt to restrict opposition activities in the state. In an open letter, Oko-Eze questioned how opposition candidates would raise ₦150 million merely to erect campaign billboards and display posters. “Opposition is not a crime anywhere in the world.

It is the beauty of democracy. It acts like a watchdog to the government in power so as to make sure that the dividends of democracy get to the people,” he said. He argued that the performance of an incumbent administration, rather than restrictions on opposition campaigns, should determine whether voters return it to office. Oko-Eze also questioned whether the proposed measure would apply equally to campaign billboards belonging to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“How much did Governor Chief Francis Ogbonnaya Nwifuru and wife pay for all their billboards scattered all over the state? Or does it mean the law is just made for opposition parties and their candidates?” he asked. He urged lawmakers to ensure that legislation served the interests of residents rather than intimidate political parties and candidates.

Also reacting, social media commentator and public affairs analyst, Chika Nwoba, warned that the proposal could heighten political tensions in the state. In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Nwoba alleged that the measure would disproportionately affect opposition parties and predicted resistance if their campaign posters and billboards were removed. He warned that the dispute could escalate if the government proceeded with the proposed policy.

The House of Assembly motion, moved by Chukwu, focused on curbing what he described as the indiscriminate pasting of political posters and erection of billboards in the state capital. The proposed ₦150 million fee has drawn criticism from opposition figures who argue that any regulation of campaign advertising should not impose financial barriers that limit participation in the electoral process.