Campaign Charges: PDP Chieftain, Engr Anselm Ijebor Condemns governors, questions rational behind actions

By David Odama

2027 campaign charges: An ally of the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Congress (NDC), Engr Anselm Ijebor on Friday, criticized governors for subjecting candidates to paying for campaigns in their control states.

Engr. Ejebor, while fielding questions from Journalists Saturday in Abuja, demanded the rationale behind the candidates being charged for holding campaigns or hosting billboards in their states.

The PDP Chieftain argued that the rising cost of political campaigning is raising serious concerns, stating that the obvious actions of the governors was a deliberate measures aimed at clipping the wings of the opposition in their states ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Ejebor who condemned the actions of the governors in strong terms, wondered why in Abia, presidential candidates are to pay N200 million for campaign billboards, while governorship candidates is expected to cough out a woven sum of N150 million.

According to the NDC ally, the situation in Anambra and Enugu states, are not different as presidential candidates are to pay N50 million, and N150 million fee for campaign materials, billboards and branded campaign vehicles, adding that the action of the governors was a clear demonstration of suppression of the opposition parties and their candidates.

“The action of the governors is not only undemocratic, unacceptable but condemnable in a democratic nation like Nigeria”.

“Are these fees legitimate regulation of political advertising, or are they becoming financial barriers that could undermine competition ahead of 2027?”, Anselm Ijebor questioned.

“The state governments charging presidential candidates tens and even hundreds of millions of naira for the right to display posters and billboards is not only raising fears that visibility is being priced beyond the reach of opposition parties less than three months to the January 16, 2027 election”, the PDP Chieftain stated.

While calling on Nigerians to remain resolute in their resolve for a change, the NDC ally who has been the supporter of Peter Obi since 2023, appealed for a total support for Obi/Kwankwaso ahead of the presidential election in 2027.

He further urged the people to continue to demonstrate their unity, cohesion, resilience and the spirit of team work for the realization of Peter Obi’s presidential ambition designed to salvage the country from the self affiliated hardship, poverty and hunger.

“Nigerians have suffered enough in a country with abundance resources. the time has come us to decide the fate of this country”,Engr Ijebor declared.

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