The reported decision to impose a ₦750 million permit fee for presidential campaign billboards in the Federal Capital Territory is not merely an administrative policy—it represents what critics could reasonably characterize as a direct assault on the principles of democracy, political inclusion, and equal opportunity.
Democracy is built on the idea that every qualified candidate should have a fair opportunity to present their ideas to the electorate. When the cost of reaching voters is set at a level that only the wealthiest political parties or incumbents can comfortably afford, the democratic playing field risks becoming fundamentally uneven.
Such a policy raises several concerns:
It could price out smaller parties and independent candidates, limiting political competition and reducing voters’ exposure to alternative visions for the country.
It may reinforce the perception that public institutions are creating financial barriers that disproportionately affect opposition candidates, especially if the fees are substantially higher than those historically charged.
It risks turning elections into contests of financial strength rather than ideas, competence, and public trust.
At a time when millions of Nigerians are struggling with inflation, unemployment, and declining purchasing power, announcing a fee of this magnitude sends a troubling message. Many citizens may reasonably ask whether public policy is being designed to strengthen democratic participation or to make political competition more expensive.
Abuja is the capital of every Nigerian, not the exclusive campaign ground of those with the deepest pockets. Access to lawful campaign platforms should be regulated fairly and transparently, but any charges should be proportionate and should not become an obstacle to political participation.
A healthy democracy encourages robust competition, diverse voices, and equal access—not financial hurdles that could discourage participation. If democratic institutions are perceived as erecting barriers that only a privileged few can overcome, public confidence in the fairness of the electoral process may be weakened.
Democracy should never carry a price tag so high that it excludes legitimate political competitors. The strength of a democracy is measured not by how much candidates can pay, but by how freely and fairly they can compete for the mandate of the people.
In view of the foregoing, the Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM) hereby issues the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) a 48-hour ultimatum to immediately withdraw and retract the reported pronouncement imposing a ₦750 million presidential campaign billboard permit fee.
COPDEM contends that such a directive, if accurately reported, has no legitimate place in Nigeria’s democratic journey and raises serious constitutional and democratic concerns. Democracy must never be commercialized or subjected to financial barriers that favour incumbents or wealthy political interests while excluding opposition voices.
The FCT Administration is an institution established to administer the Federal Capital Territory—not to impose policies that could undermine political competition or create obstacles to the constitutional rights of Nigerians seeking elective office. Any measure that appears to restrict equal access to the electoral process through excessive financial demands is inconsistent with the spirit of free, fair, and inclusive democratic participation.
Should the Minister fail to retract the pronouncement within 48 hours, COPDEM will consider all lawful and constitutional options available, including seeking judicial interpretation, mobilizing civil society organizations, and pursuing peaceful democratic actions to defend the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.
Nigeria’s democracy belongs to the people—not to the highest bidder. No public official should be permitted to erect financial barricades against the democratic aspirations of Nigerians.
Signed:
COPDEM National Secretariat.
For inquiries; contact copdem.hq@gmail.com
