Makinde, APM Sue Abia Gov Over N200m Campaign Fee

Oyo State Governor Makinde and the Allied Peoples Movement have sued Abia Governor Alex Otti over a N200 million campaign fee imposed on presidential candidates seeking to display campaign materials in the state.

Makinde, who is the APM presidential candidate, and the party joined the Abia State Attorney-General, the Abia State Signage and Advertisement Agency and the State House of Assembly as defendants.

The plaintiffs are challenging regulations made by the signage agency concerning political campaigns, particularly the reported N200 million fee for presidential candidates seeking to display campaign billboards and outdoor advertisements.

They are asking the court to set aside the regulation and stop the defendants and their agents from enforcing the fee or removing, defacing, destroying or obstructing their campaign materials.

Makinde and the APM argued that the charge was unconstitutional and inconsistent with provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 and other federal laws governing political campaigns.

They also relied on Section 99 of the Electoral Act, which prohibits the use of state apparatus or regulatory bodies to favour or disadvantage any political party or candidate.

The plaintiffs further argued that the Independent National Electoral Commission has exclusive authority to make rules and regulations concerning political campaigns, citing relevant constitutional provisions and the Electoral Act.

They maintained that although states have powers to regulate outdoor advertising and signage, those powers should not be exercised in a manner that overrides federal electoral legislation.

The claimants also referenced the N10 billion statutory ceiling on total campaign expenditure for a presidential election, arguing that similar charges across states could significantly increase campaign costs.

They said the N200 million fee, if replicated nationwide, could consume a substantial portion of the campaign spending limit before expenses for media, transportation, venues, security and election agents are considered.

The plaintiffs said they became aware of the fee while preparing for a nationwide campaign tour covering all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

They argued that unless the court intervenes, the fee could affect their ability to campaign and exercise their constitutional rights to participate in the electoral process.

The suit seeks declarations that the fee is invalid and an injunction preventing its enforcement.