Abia government selling 2027 elections to the highest bidder?

The Abia State government has fixed campaign fees for the 2027 elections that are frankly insulting to the intelligence of the ordinary Nigerian. The Abia State Structure for Signage and Advertising Agency, ABSSAA, announced on Wednesday that presidential candidates will pay N200 million, governorship N150 million, and senate N100 million. House of Representatives aspirants will pay N50 million and House of Assembly N20 million. This is not regulation, this is a toll gate on democracy.

Both APC and PDP have rejected this policy, and for once I agree with them. The APC publicity secretary, Uche Aguoru, said the state government is weaponizing state institutions to intimidate, frustrate and financially cripple opposition candidates. He also pointed out the inconsistency with Section 92 of the Electoral Act, 2026, which sets limits on campaign expenditure. The PDP, through Jude Udeachara, called it political extortion dressed in administrative language. These are strong words, but they are accurate.

We have been complaining for decades that only the wealthy can contest elections in Nigeria, and now a state government is formalising that exclusion. What is the point of democracy if the average Nigerian cannot even afford to offer themselves for service? The ABSSAA should withdraw this policy immediately. This is the kind of thing that makes young people say our votes do not matter. Am I the only one that thinks this is a direct assault on the future of our democracy?