Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) have filed a lawsuit against Abia State Governor Alex Otti and other state authorities over a N200 million fee charged to presidential candidates for displaying campaign materials in the state.
Makinde, the APM’s presidential candidate, and the party lodged the suit at the Abia State High Court. The case, marked HC/214/2026, was filed through their lawyer, Musibau Adetunbi, SAN. Named as defendants alongside Otti are the Abia State Attorney-General, the Abia State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ASAA), and the Abia State House of Assembly.
The plaintiffs are challenging the N200 million charge as unconstitutional and inconsistent with the Electoral Act 2026. They want the court to set aside the ASAA regulations that imposed the fee and to restrain the defendants from enforcing it. They also seek an order preventing the removal, defacing, destruction or obstruction of their campaign billboards and outdoor advertisements.
In their arguments, Makinde and the APM cited Section 99(2) of the Electoral Act, which bars the use of state apparatus and regulatory bodies to advantage or disadvantage any political party or candidate. They further contended that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) holds exclusive authority under the Constitution and the Electoral Act to make rules governing political campaigns.
The plaintiffs pointed to Section 92 of the Electoral Act, which sets the nationwide spending limit for presidential campaigns at N10 billion. They argued that if every state and the Federal Capital Territory imposed similar charges, the cost of billboards alone could consume more than 80 per cent of the statutory limit.
While acknowledging that states possess the power to regulate outdoor signage, Makinde and the APM maintained that such powers cannot be exercised in a manner that frustrates or overrides federal electoral laws. They are asking the court to declare the N200 million fee unconstitutional, inconsistent with federal legislation, and null and void.
A story of courage, wonder, and the transformative power of self-belief; perfect for readers aged 10+ who love adventure. To place order: +234 806 130 3237 | +234 803 582 0870 OR Tap the link to grab a copy:https://www.zeekapublish.com/product/the-magical-life-of-anna
