Makinde and APM Sue Abia Governor Over Controversial N200M Campaign Fee

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) have filed a lawsuit against Abia State Governor Alex Otti, challenging a controversial N200 million campaign fee imposed on presidential candidates wishing to display campaign materials in the state.

The lawsuit, marked HU/214/2026 and filed on September 17 in the Abia State High Court, targets not only Governor Otti but also the Abia State Attorney-General, the State Signage and Advertisement Agency, and the State House of Assembly. The plaintiffs are demanding that all defendants be served within 30 days.

Makinde and the APM argue that the hefty fee violates the Electoral Act 2026 and is unconstitutional. They are seeking an order to nullify the regulations set by the Abia State Signage and Advertisement Agency, including the contentious N200 million fee.

Additionally, the plaintiffs have requested a perpetual injunction to prevent the defendants from enforcing the fee or obstructing the placement of campaign billboards and advertisements throughout Abia State.

The suit claims that the fee is inconsistent with the Constitution and the Electoral Act 2026, rendering it null and void from the start. The plaintiffs assert that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) holds exclusive authority over rules concerning political campaigns, citing various constitutional provisions.

According to Makinde and the APM, the imposition of such a fee effectively excludes non-incumbent candidates from public visibility, thereby favoring the ruling party, which is better equipped to absorb these costs. They highlighted that if similar fees were instituted across other states, it could absorb over 80% of the N10 billion cap on campaign spending for presidential elections.

The plaintiffs stress that while states have the authority to regulate outdoor signage, this power cannot override federal electoral legislation. They fear that without court intervention, their constitutional rights to seek public office would be irreparably harmed, undermining the principle of a level playing field for all candidates.

The lawsuit reflects growing tensions over campaign regulations as Nigeria approaches the next election cycle, with candidates increasingly concerned about equitable access to campaign platforms. 

Aisha Abdullahi Abubakar, the APM’s National Welfare Officer, supported the affidavit, revealing that the plaintiffs learned about the fee while planning a nationwide campaign covering all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

This legal battle could have significant implications for how campaign regulations are applied across Nigeria, as candidates prepare for an intense election season.