…Says democracy in Anambra now for the rich
Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
The African Action Congress (AAC) has condemned the N50m billboard levy imposed on political parties and governorship candidates in Anambra State.
The new billboard levy was announced by the Anambra State Signage and Advertising Agency (ANSAA) on Wednesday, and mandated candidates to pay the statutory fee for any outdoor advertising.
In a statement signed by Media Director, Chimezie Uzoukwu, AAC condemned the levy, describing it as a calculated attempt to suffocate democratic engagement and silence political opposition in the State
The party accused the state government of imposing the “artificial fee” to restrict democracy and governance for only the wealthy and individuals with questionable character in the society.
It also argued that the new fee could unfairly disadvantage smaller parties or ‘independent candidates,’ limiting their ability to campaign effectively in the forthcoming election.
“The African Action Congress (AAC) strongly condemns the recent directive by the Anambra State Signage and Advertising Agency, which pegs the cost of mounting campaign billboards and conducting outdoor political activities at a staggering ₦50 million.
“This policy, under the watch of Governor Charles Soludo, is nothing short of a calculated attempt to suffocate democratic engagement and silence political opposition in Anambra State.
“At a time when Nigeria desperately needs open political space for honest, visionary candidates to emerge, the Anambra State Government has chosen to erect artificial and outrageous financial barriers to participation.
“This act sends a dangerous message: that democracy in Anambra is reserved only for the wealthy or those with questionable means.
“Policies like this only deepen the culture of criminality in Nigerian politics, where only those with stolen public wealth or the backing of corrupt political godfathers can afford to contest.
“By inflating the cost of political participation, the Soludo-led administration is effectively locking out capable, principled individuals with genuine solutions for the people of Anambra.
“The AAC refuses to be silenced by this abuse of power. We see this for what it truly is: a blatant attempt to cripple opposition voices, undermine democracy, and preserve the political status quo that has failed our people time and time again.
“We call on the good people of Anambra, civil society, the media, and the wider Nigerian public to reject this authoritarian overreach. Democracy must never be priced out of the reach of the people.
“The AAC remains committed to a people-first campaign grounded in integrity, equity, and accountability. No financial hurdle will deter our resolve to deliver a new vision for Anambra— one not bought by money, but built by truth,” the statement read.
