‘Unconstitutional’: Falana Slams ₦100m-₦200m Billboard Fees Imposed On Opposition

Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has accused federal and state governments of shrinking Nigeria’s civic space ahead of the 2027 elections by imposing billboard permit fees of between N100 million and N200 million on opposition parties, warning that the restrictions are unconstitutional and are fuelling political violence.

The statement was issued on Sunday, November 15, 2026, and made available to journalists, ValidViewNetwork reports.

THE ACCUSATION

Falana did not hold back. He said some state governments and the Federal Capital Territory Administration had fixed billboard permit charges between N100 million and N200 million, while opposition parties and candidates had reportedly been denied access to government-owned stadia, hotels, and event centres for campaign activities .

“In frustration, some disenchanted youths have destroyed the billboards and other campaign materials mounted by the ruling party in some states,” he said, linking the restrictions to the attacks on campaign materials.

THE LEGAL ARGUMENT

Falana cited Section 15, Part I of the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution, which gives INEC the exclusive mandate to organise, undertake, and supervise elections, and to monitor political campaigns and provide rules governing political parties.

He also referenced Section 99 of the Electoral Act, 2026, which criminalises the obstruction of candidates and political parties from campaigning in accordance with INEC regulations.

“For the avoidance of doubt, under section 99 of the Electoral Act, 2026, it is a serious criminal offence to prevent a candidate and his or her party from campaigning for elections in accordance with such rules and regulations as may be determined by the Commission,” Falana said.

“It is also a criminal offence to deny a political party or candidate the use of state apparatus including the media and thereby put them in a disadvantaged position in the political campaigns”.

He recalled that the Supreme Court had held that INEC has the sole responsibility for administering, organising, and supervising general elections, to the exclusion of any other authority.

“State governments cannot add to, subtract from, or alter these constitutional conditions,” he said. “Administrative fees imposed on local government election candidates by state governments have previously been annulled by courts for contravening the Electoral Act”.

THE REBUTTAL

Falana dismissed comments attributed to INEC National Commissioner Mohammed Haruna, who reportedly said the commission had limited powers over billboard charges because signage regulation fell within the jurisdiction of state and local governments .

He also disagreed with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who had defended the charges as part of efforts to generate revenue and argued that political parties could use social media to reach supporters .

THE DEMANDS

Falana charged INEC to direct state governments to cancel the campaign fees or face the full wrath of the law.

He also criticised the National Assembly for repeatedly refusing to establish an Electoral Offences Commission, despite the recommendation of the Mohammed Uwais Electoral Reform Panel.

He noted that Section 148 of the Electoral Act, 2026, empowers INEC to prosecute electoral offences through its legal officers or appointed legal practitioners.

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He urged the commission to establish an Investigation Unit and a Prosecution Unit, and to request the Inspector-General of Police to deploy trained investigators to probe electoral offences.

He advised the Nigerian Bar Association to liaise with INEC to prosecute indicted offenders, recalling that a similar collaboration in 2011 led to the successful prosecution of many electoral offenders .

WHY IT MATTERS

Falana is asking a question that should not need to be asked: can you put a price on democracy?The answer, in Nigeria, appears to be yes. And the price is N200 million.

State governments are using billboard fees and venue restrictions to make it impossible for opposition parties to campaign. It is not a ban. It is a toll.

A toll so high that only the ruling party can afford to pay it. And when frustrated youths attack the ruling party’s billboards, the government points to the violence as evidence that the opposition is lawless.

Falana has exposed the hypocrisy. He has cited the law. He has named the offenders. And he has asked INEC to do its job.

But INEC has already signalled its reluctance. The commission says it has limited powers. It says signage is a state matter. It says it cannot intervene.

If INEC cannot protect the right to campaign, what is it for? If it cannot enforce the Electoral Act, who will?The fees remain. The billboards are empty. And the 2027 election is being rigged before a single vote is cast. ValidViewNetwork reports.