The Cross River State Signage and Advertisement Agency (CRISSAA) has announced a steep tariff structure for outdoor campaign advertisements ahead of the 2027 general elections, sparking swift backlash from opposition political parties in the state.
Under the new guidelines, presidential candidates must pay a non-negotiable fee of N150 million to run outdoor campaigns, setting the tone for a high-stakes electoral season.
Detailing the comprehensive pricing schedule during an interactive session with the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Calabar, CRISSAA Director-General Ubong Sam stated that governorship candidates are required to pay N100 million.
Furthermore, hopefuls vying for senatorial seats will be charged N50 million, House of Representatives candidates face a N25 million fee, and contenders for the State House of Assembly must pay N5 million.
Defending the financial requirements, Sam insisted the rates are moderate compared to levies in neighboring states and maintained that the agency is committed to absolute impartiality.
He explained that the framework is designed to regulate advertising spaces, prevent defamatory messaging, and offer a streamlined system of dialogue and arbitration rather than direct litigation.
Additionally, Sam warned that political parties must clear all campaign billboards and materials within 30 days of election results being declared, noting that failure to comply invites heavy financial penalties or prosecution through the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON).
While the announcement received backing from IPAC state chairman Engr. Effiom Edet, who described the fees as fair, and assurances of transparency from the Governor’s Special Adviser on Inter-Party Affairs, Nkoyo Otu, it drew sharp condemnation from several political quarters.
Leaders from minority and opposition factions slammed the agency’s directives, arguing that the steep financial barriers deliberately target less financially buoyant parties and threaten to choke free political expression.
Weighing in on the controversy, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Publicity Secretary Mike Ojisi distanced himself from any prior agreements and vehemently rejected the policy.
Speaking via telephone, Ojisi denounced the charges as exorbitant, labeling the framework a calculated political strategy designed to block competitive outdoor publicity for opposition candidates as the 2027 cycle approaches.
