The Ebonyi State House of Assembly has approved a ₦150 million levy for presidential and governorship candidates seeking to display campaign billboards and posters within Abakaliki, the state capital, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The lawmakers also approved separate charges for other political offices and directed the state government to take direct control of collecting the fees, ending existing arrangements with private agents.
The resolution was adopted unanimously during Wednesday’s plenary following a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by the Chairman of the House Committee on Capital City Development and Deputy Chief Whip, Arinze Chukwu, who represents Ishielu South Constituency.
Chukwu expressed concern over the indiscriminate display of political posters and erection of billboards on public buildings, electric poles, streetlights, bridges and fences across the capital city.
He argued that the practice contributed to environmental pollution, undermined the appearance of the city and deprived the government of revenue.
The lawmaker also raised concerns about multiple agencies collecting billboard fees, which he said had created confusion, revenue leakages and cases of double taxation.
Full List of Approved Campaign Billboard Fees
Under the new arrangement, the following levies were approved for political campaign materials within Abakaliki:
- Presidential candidates: ₦150 million
- Governorship candidates: ₦150 million
- National Assembly candidates: ₦20 million
- State House of Assembly candidates: ₦5 million
The Assembly directed political parties, aspirants, groups and individuals seeking to display campaign materials to pay the approved fees into a designated government revenue account and obtain official receipts before proceeding.
The Commissioner for Capital City Development was also directed to designate approved locations for campaign posters and billboards and establish a task force to remove unauthorized materials.
Defaulters will face a penalty of 50 per cent of the applicable levy in addition to the original charge.
Government Takes Over Collection
The Assembly further directed the Chairman of the Ebonyi State Internal Revenue Service to terminate existing contracts, concessions and arrangements with private consultants and agents involved in collecting billboard fees.
All relevant records, data and collection responsibilities are to be transferred to the Commissioner for Capital City Development.
Seconding the motion, Onyebuchi Ogbadu, who represents Ivo Constituency, said the measure would help restore order in the capital and improve the state’s internally generated revenue.
The House Committees on Capital City Development, Finance and Environment are expected to monitor implementation and report back within 30 days.
Campaign Costs Under Scrutiny
The decision comes amid growing national debate over the cost of political advertising ahead of the 2027 elections, with several states introducing substantial fees for campaign billboards and posters.
Critics of similar policies in other states have warned that high charges could make it more difficult for candidates with limited financial resources to reach voters. State authorities, meanwhile, have cited outdoor advertising regulation, urban aesthetics and revenue generation as reasons for imposing the levies.
The Ebonyi Assembly’s resolution places the spotlight on how the state will balance regulation of public spaces with political parties’ ability to campaign and communicate with the electorate.
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