The African Action Congress (AAC) governorship candidate for the 2027 Abia State election, Doris Ogala, has rejected the Abia State Government’s newly introduced N150 million campaign billboard permit fee, describing it as outrageous, illegal and a threat to democratic participation.

Ogala made her position known during a visit to the Abia State Signage and Advertising Agency (ABSAA), where she sought clarification on the policy before declaring that she would not comply with the payment.

The actress-turned-politician argued that the permit fee would unfairly disadvantage opposition parties and financially weaker candidates, insisting that democracy should guarantee a level playing field rather than impose barriers to political participation.

She also criticised the administration of Governor Alex Otti, questioning the justification for introducing such charges at a time she claimed many pensioners and civil servants were still grappling with welfare and salary-related challenges.

Expressing disbelief over the policy, Ogala questioned the legal basis for compelling governorship candidates to pay N150 million merely to display campaign billboards.

“What right do they have to impose such law that a candidate must pay N150 million? Where am I supposed to get that kind of money just for advert?’’ she asked.

She maintained that she would proceed with her campaign regardless of the directive and warned against any attempt to remove her campaign materials.

“I just came to confirm that this is true. I will mount my poster. Anybody who dares to touch it, all of us in our state will campaign with our posters,” she said.

Ogala further challenged the legality of the regulation, arguing that not every candidate has wealthy political sponsors capable of funding such expenses.

“Do you think I have a godfather who has stolen government money for us to buy billboards? I dare anybody to touch my billboard. We will not pay,” she declared.

The controversy followed the Abia State Government’s announcement of a new permit regime for campaign advertising ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Under the policy unveiled on Wednesday during a stakeholders’ forum in Aba, presidential candidates are to pay N200 million for campaign advertising permits, while governorship candidates will pay N150 million.

The government also fixed permit fees at N100 million for senatorial candidates, N50 million for House of Representatives candidates and N20 million for candidates contesting seats in the State House of Assembly.

State officials described the rates as non-negotiable and applicable to all political parties participating in the elections.

According to the government, the fees are designed to regulate outdoor advertising, enhance public safety and ensure equitable access to campaign advertising spaces across the state.