“I Dare Anybody To Touch My Billboard”- Doris Ogala Fires Back Over ₦150m Campaign Permit Fee

• Doris Ogala, Nollywood actress and AAC governorship candidate in Abia State, criticizes a new ₦150 million permit fee for campaign advertisements.
• She expressed her concerns during a visit to the ABSSAA, questioning the rationale behind the fee.
• Ogala alleges that the policy aims to hinder opposition candidates in the lead-up to the 2027 governorship election.

Nollywood actress and African Action Congress (AAC) governorship candidate in Abia State, Doris Ogala, has strongly criticised the state government’s newly introduced ₦150 million permit fee for governorship candidates seeking to place campaign advertisements.

Ogala made her position known during a visit to the Abia State Structures for Signages and Advertising Agency (ABSSAA), where she challenged the reason behind the charge and alleged that the policy was designed to frustrate opposition candidates ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Expressing her displeasure over the directive, the actress-turned-politician said she would not be willing to pay such an amount to display campaign billboards.

“I should pay ₦150 million. I dare anybody to try to touch my billboard,” Ogala stated.

She further claimed that the policy was aimed at limiting her political activities, alleging that Governor Alex Otti was threatened by her rising popularity and influence.

“This is targeted at me. Otti is afraid of me,” she said.

Ogala argued that the fee could prevent many potential candidates, especially those without strong financial backing, from actively participating in the political process.

She also questioned the timing of the policy, pointing out that many Abia residents are currently dealing with economic challenges.

The AAC candidate highlighted the struggles of pensioners, workers and patients in need of medical care, asking why such a significant amount of money should be required for political advertising when citizens are facing financial difficulties.

However, ABSSAA explained that the permit fee was introduced as part of measures to regulate outdoor political advertising and create a level playing field for all candidates.

Ogala warned that if the policy is not reviewed, political parties may be forced to reconsider the use of billboards as a campaign strategy ahead of future elections.

See post below: