APC, PDP reject new campaign fees policy released by Abia govt

The Abia State chapter of the All Progressive Congress, APC, has rejected the new campaign fees released by the Abia State Structure for Signage and Advertising Agency, ABSSAA for the 2027 polls.

ABSSAA had on Wednesday, fixed has presidential campaign fees at N200m, governorship campaign fees at N150m and N100m for senate.

The agency also said that those contesting for House of Representatives and House of Assembly would pay N50m and N20m respectively.

But reacting to the development, Abia APC alleged that the state government is weaponizing state institutions to intimidate, frustrate and financially cripple opposition candidates.

A statement signed by the APC Publicity Secretary, Uche Aguoru said the policy is a calculated attempt to commercialise democracy and reduce political participation, adding that it would make the 2027 contest an exclusive preserve of the wealthy and those with access to state resources.

“Even more disturbing is the clear inconsistency between these outrageous charges and the provisions of Section 92 of the Electoral Act, 2026 (as amended), which sets limits to campaign expenditures,” APC said.

The People’s Democratic Party, PDP, also rejected the new campaign fees, alleging that it was an attempt by the Abia State government to auction the political space to highest bidder.

PDP’s official position was signed by Jude Udeachara, the party’s Publicly Secretary.

While demanding the immediate withdrawal of the campaign fees policy, the PDP said, “This is not a regulation, it is political extortion dressed in administrative language.”