“Where Do You Want Me To Get ₦150 Million From?” – Doris Ogala Challenges ₦150 Million Permit For Governorship Candidates

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Doris Ogala has made it clear she will not accept the ₦150 million permit fee being demanded from governorship candidates in Abia State, insisting the amount is excessive and unfair to those hoping to contest the 2027 election.

The Nollywood actress, who is running for governor on the platform of the African Action Congress (AAC), voiced her concerns during a visit to the Abia State Structures for Signages and Advertising Agency (ABSSAA). While addressing officials, she questioned the thinking behind the policy, arguing that candidates should not be faced with such a heavy financial burden before they can fully campaign.

Ogala also warned against any attempt to interfere with her campaign materials, saying she would not stand by if her billboard was removed.

“people are dying in the hospital, government workers are not being paid, and you are demanding me to pay ₦150 million as a candidate. Where do you want me to get that from? I dare anybody to try to touch my billboard, then all of us will campaign without billboard in this state,” she said.

According to her, the issue goes beyond the amount being demanded. She believes the permit fee could discourage candidates without deep pockets from participating fully in the election and create an uneven playing field. Ogala maintained that the policy would affect opposition parties more than anyone else, making it harder for them to reach voters during the campaign period.

She further alleged that the decision was not a coincidence, claiming it was specifically designed to frustrate her political ambition.

“This is targeted at me. Otti is afraid of me.”

The "Otti" she referred to is Alex Otti, the Governor of Abia State, who is seeking another term in the 2027 governorship election. Ogala accused his administration of introducing a policy that she believes is aimed at making life difficult for opposition candidates.

Her comments have once again drawn attention to the debate over the cost of political campaigns and the financial hurdles candidates face before elections. While campaign regulations are often introduced to manage political advertising and public spaces, Ogala insists the ₦150 million permit fee goes far beyond what many aspirants can reasonably afford.

For now, the AAC governorship candidate says she has no intention of backing down, maintaining that she will continue her campaign despite her objections to the permit requirement.

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