Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended the high charges for political campaign billboards in Abuja, insisting that the fees are part of the government’s revenue-generation efforts and are not targeted at opposition parties.
Wike made the remarks on Thursday, November 5, 2026, during his monthly media chat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, following complaints by opposition parties about the rising cost of securing billboard spaces ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Politics is expensive all over the world,” the minister said, arguing that political parties should not interpret the increased charges as a deliberate attempt to restrict their campaigns.
He explained that the FCT Administration expects to generate revenue from billboard advertising, particularly during election periods when demand for advertising spaces increases.
According to Wike, the revenue generated would be channelled into infrastructure development, including road construction and improvements to schools across the territory.
The minister also dismissed the importance attached to billboards in election campaigns, arguing that political parties could use social media platforms and other communication channels to reach voters.
He further maintained that the FCT Administration did not increase the charges specifically to disadvantage opposition parties, adding that he had not received any formal complaint from a political party alleging discriminatory pricing.
His comments come amid growing concerns from opposition parties over the affordability of campaign advertising. Some have argued that the high fees could limit their visibility and create an uneven campaign environment ahead of the 2027 elections.
The controversy has renewed debate over the cost of political participation, access to public advertising spaces and the responsibility of government authorities to ensure a fair environment for all political parties.
