The governorship candidate of the Action People’s Party (APP) in Abia State, Major General Ijioma Nwokoro Ijioma (Rtd.), has rejected an alleged ₦150 million signage fee, describing the amount as excessive and threatening legal action against the Abia State Government over the policy.
Ijioma made the remarks during a press briefing on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, where he argued that the fee could adversely affect political participation and opposition activities in the state.
According to the retired Army General, his objection is not based on an inability to pay the amount, but on what he considers an unjustifiable increase in the cost of political advertising.
“On the signage fee, it is not that I cannot pay ₦150 million, but I will not pay it. I will not pay ₦150 million to put up a billboard that Governor Alex Otti paid ₦10 million for in 2023,” he said.
Ijioma further alleged that the policy was unfair, describing the situation as “fraudulent” and “criminal.”
“It is very fraudulent; it is criminal to do things that way. It will not stand,” he declared.
The APP governorship candidate warned that his party could approach the court to challenge the legality of the policy if the state government fails to reconsider it.
“If he does not heed the call for caution, this party, the Action People’s Party (APP), whose governorship flag I am flying, will take the Abia State Government to court and ask them to show us the Act of Parliament that empowers the government to introduce such an obnoxious and vexatious policy aimed at stifling democracy in Abia State,” Ijioma said.
He maintained that political parties and candidates should be allowed to carry out legitimate political activities without what he described as prohibitive financial barriers.
The retired General consequently called on the state government to review the alleged signage fee, insisting that the APP would explore available legal options should the policy remain in force.
The Abia State Government had yet to respond to Ijioma’s allegations and claims regarding the ₦150 million signage fee at the time of filing this report.
