Post by Feet2mee (@samuel_odumu)

African Action Congress (AAC) governorship candidate in Abia State, Doris Ogala, has accused Governor Alex Otti of being afraid of her over the state’s ₦150 million campaign billboard permit fee.

Ogala made the allegation on Thursday during a visit to the Abia State Structures for Signages and Advertising Agency (ABSSAA), where she rejected the newly introduced permit fee for governorship candidates and vowed not to pay the amount.

The actress-turned-politician described the policy as an attempt to frustrate opposition candidates ahead of the 2027 governorship election, insisting that she could not afford the fee and that it would prevent ordinary Nigerians from participating in the democratic process.

The Abia State Government, through ABSSAA, recently announced that governorship candidates must pay ₦150 million for a campaign advertising permit. Under the new directive, presidential candidates are to pay ₦200 million, senatorial candidates ₦100 million, House of Representatives candidates ₦50 million, while candidates for state Houses of Assembly are expected to pay ₦20 million.

The agency said the fees are compulsory for all political parties and are aimed at regulating outdoor political advertising, promoting public safety and ensuring fair access to advertising spaces ahead of the 2027 general election.

However, Ogala questioned the justification for the policy, arguing that many residents of the state were battling economic hardship while workers and pensioners were still facing challenges.

“People are dying in the hospital, workers are crying; their salaries have not been paid. And you’re imposing ₦150 million for a candidate. Where will I get the money from? Do I have a godfather who has stolen government funds?” she asked.

She also challenged authorities to remove her campaign materials if she refused to pay the permit fee.

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