Makinde, APM sue Abia gov over N200m campaign fee

Seyi Makinde, the presidential candidate for the Allied Peoples Movement and Oyo State Governor, has filed a lawsuit against Abia State Governor Alex Otti over an alleged N200 million campaign fee imposed on presidential candidates. The lawsuit, filed in the Abia State High Court, argues that the fee violates the Electoral Act 2026 and other relevant laws.

Makinde and the All Peoples Movement (APM) contend that the fee is unconstitutional and infringes on the right to a level playing field for all political candidates. They seek an injunction preventing the enforcement of the fee and a declaration that it is null and void. The plaintiffs argue that the fee would consume a significant portion of the N10bn ceiling for total campaign expenditure nationwide and undermine the principle of equal opportunity for all contestants.