2027: Situation Room decries high campaign billboard fees

The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room has raised concerns over the high cost of political campaign billboards in several states ahead of the 2027 general elections. The group warned that the fees could limit opposition parties' visibility and hinder fair competition. Presidential billboard permit fees reportedly range from N200 million in Abia State to N50 million in Anambra, significantly higher than conventional billboard rental rates of N200,000 to N15 million monthly.

The group expressed concern over reports that opposition parties had been denied access to prime billboard locations and that some campaign advertisements were allegedly destroyed or restricted. The Situation Room emphasized that regulation of outdoor advertising should not limit political expression or disadvantage opposition parties.

They urged authorities to ensure transparent, proportionate, and non-discriminatory fees and permit procedures. The group also addressed other issues, including political defections, internal party crises, leadership disputes, contentious primaries, legal disagreements, and election-related violence. They called for impartial handling of election security matters and urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to discharge its regulatory responsibilities transparently.