ENUGU OPPOSITION SLAMS N150M BILLBOARD FEE, CALLS IT ‘POLITICAL ROBBERY’

Political tension is rising in Enugu as opposition parties reject a controversial N150 million billboard fee, warning it could silence challengers and weaken democracy.

Opposition political parties in Enugu State have strongly condemned the N150 million advertising fee imposed on political aspirants for campaign billboards, describing the move as outrageous, unfair, and undemocratic.

The State Chairperson of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Stella Chukwuma, said the fee appears designed to block opposition candidates and discourage ordinary citizens from contesting elections. She warned that such a high cost would shut out youths, persons with disabilities, and other aspiring leaders who lack huge financial backing.

According to her, the policy sends a dangerous message that only the wealthy can participate in politics. She stressed that the ADC would resist the directive and challenge it through lawful means, describing it as an attempt to undermine political competition.

Also reacting, constitutional lawyer and Accord Party chieftain, Chief John Nwobodo, criticised the fee as unlawful and targeted at opposition parties. He argued that political campaigns are not commercial advertising and questioned the authority of the Enugu State Structures and Signage Agency (ENSSSA) to impose such charges.

Nwobodo added that political activities fall under the regulation of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), not signage agencies, and warned that the policy could face legal challenges.

Similarly, Labour Party lawmaker representing Igboeze South Constituency, Harrison Ogara, described the fee as excessive and unfair. He urged the state government to reconsider the decision and engage stakeholders to ensure a level playing field for all political parties.

The controversy follows ENSSSA’s announcement that aspirants must pay N150 million to use billboards for political campaigns — a move that has sparked outrage and raised fresh concerns about inclusiveness and fairness in Enugu’s political space.