By Matthew Otabe
The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room has expressed concern over the rising cost of political campaign billboard permits in several states, warning that the charges could undermine equal political participation and restrict opposition parties’ visibility ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The organisation said presidential campaign billboard permit fees had reportedly reached N200 million in Abia State, N150 million in Enugu, Kogi and Cross River States, N75 million in Rivers, N50 million in Anambra and N40 million in Benue.
It warned that the charges could place candidates and political parties with limited financial resources at a disadvantage, thereby threatening the principle of fair electoral competition.
The Situation Room made its position known in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja and jointly signed by its Convener, Yunusa Z. Yau, and Co-Convener, Mma Odi.
According to the organisation, the reported permit charges are significantly higher than conventional billboard rental rates, which range from approximately N200,000 to N15 million monthly, depending on the location and size of the advertising space.
It acknowledged that state governments had defended the charges as administrative and regulatory fees applicable to all political parties but questioned whether such enormous costs were affordable to candidates seeking to compete on equal terms.
The statement said, “Although State Governments have defended the charges as administrative and regulatory fees applicable to all political parties, the scale of the fees raises serious questions about affordability and whether candidates without access to substantial financial resources can compete for public visibility on equal terms.”
The group also expressed concern over allegations that opposition parties had been denied access to strategic billboard locations, while some campaign advertisements were reportedly destroyed or restricted.
It further clarified that reports suggesting the Federal Capital Territory Administration had approved a N750 million permit fee for presidential campaign billboards were subsequently denied by the media aide to the FCT Minister.
However, the organisation maintained that the broader concerns over unequal access to political advertising platforms remained valid.
It stressed that outdoor advertising regulations must not be used to suppress political expression or place opposition parties at a disadvantage.
“All candidates must have fair and reasonable access to public advertising spaces, and the relevant authorities must ensure that fees, permit procedures and allocation of billboard locations are transparent, proportionate and applied without discrimination,” it stated.
Beyond billboard charges, the Situation Room raised concerns over increasing political defections, internal party crises, leadership disputes, contentious primaries and legal disagreements surrounding party structures and candidate nominations.
It warned that unresolved internal disputes, competing leadership claims and prolonged litigation could limit voters’ choices and erode public confidence in the electoral process.
The organisation also expressed concern over allegations of interference in opposition political activities and restrictions on access to venues for lawful political gatherings, citing complaints by the African Democratic Congress in Sokoto State.
On electoral security, the group referenced the CLEEN Foundation’s Election Security Threat Assessment, which documented 70 physical election-related incidents across 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory between January 1 and October 27, 2026.
The assessment also recorded 27 fatalities in 20 separate incidents during the period.
According to the Situation Room, campaign rallies and political party offices were among the major targets of attacks, with reported incidents of violence increasing around party congresses, primary elections and campaign activities.
It also condemned inflammatory political statements capable of escalating tensions ahead of the elections, particularly the reported threat by former Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, that anyone involved in rigging the 2027 elections would be killed.
The organisation insisted that electoral malpractice must be addressed through lawful investigations, prosecution and judicial processes rather than threats or acts of violence.
It called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to maintain neutrality in handling election-related security matters and ensure that perpetrators of political violence were brought to justice.
The Situation Room equally urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to discharge its regulatory responsibilities transparently and in strict accordance with the law.
It also called on political parties to strengthen their internal democratic structures, resolve leadership disputes through lawful processes and ensure credible candidate nomination procedures.
The concerns come amid growing complaints by opposition parties over the affordability and accessibility of campaign platforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.
On Thursday, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, defended the high cost of billboard advertising in Abuja, arguing that political campaigns were expensive globally and that political parties could explore social media platforms as alternative channels for reaching voters.
