Nollywood actress and African Action Congress, AAC, governorship candidate in Abia State, Doris Ogala, has accused Governor Alex Otti of introducing controversial campaign billboard permit fees because he is threatened by her popularity and growing political influence.
Ogala made the claim during an interview on The Clarity Zone podcast, alleging that the policy was targeted at limiting her ability to campaign ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The Abia State government had in July introduced campaign advertising permit fees requiring political candidates seeking to mount billboards and posters in the state to obtain approval and pay specified charges.
Under the new structure, presidential candidates are expected to pay N200 million, governorship candidates N150 million, senatorial candidates N100 million, House of Representatives candidates N50 million and state House of Assembly candidates N20 million.
‘He knows I have grassroots support’ — Ogala challenges Otti over campaign fees
Ogala, who will challenge Otti as he seeks a second term on the platform of the Labour Party, claimed the policy was designed to frustrate her campaign because of her limited financial resources.
“Which law says that? I dare him to pull down my billboard if I put it up, and if he does, we will campaign without billboards. How much did he pay during his own time?” she said.
The AAC candidate alleged that Otti was aware of her growing support among residents and was attempting to weaken her chances before the election.
“He is afraid of me, my popularity and the love the people are showing me. That’s why he made that law,” she claimed.
Ogala said she believes the governor knows that other major political parties can afford the fees, but that the policy would affect candidates like her who rely more on grassroots mobilisation.
“He knows APC and PDP candidates can afford it, and I’m the only one who can’t, working with the poor, managing my life and trying to rescue the state,” she said.
The actress also described herself as the strongest opposition candidate in the Abia governorship race, dismissing the strength of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the All Progressives Congress, APC.
She claimed the PDP was divided and said she was politically stronger than the APC candidate.
The Abia government has not publicly responded to Ogala’s allegations that the billboard permit policy was introduced specifically to target her campaign.
The 2027 governorship election is expected to see Otti face multiple challengers as political parties begin preparations for the contest.
