2027: Opposition Parties Decry High Cost Of Campaign Billboards

The parties spoke during a panel session at the National Summit on AI, Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI), and Electoral Information Integrity in Abuja.

The panel, titled “Political Parties Dialogue: Campaigning Without Deception,” was organised to discuss ways to reduce negative campaigning and AI-driven disinformation ahead of the polls.

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which was invited, was absent at the session.

Bolaji Abdullahi, National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), said the party was asked to pay N250 million for a single billboard in a location. He described the charge as high and capable of affecting participation.

Araba Rufus, National Publicity Secretary of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), cited a charge of N20 million for billboard in his state, also describing it as excessive.

Rufus questioned the absence of the APC at the summit, saying such dialogue required participation of all major parties.

Prince Chinedu, Director-General of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), said the persistence of negative campaigning, despite existing laws and peace agreements, could be linked to weak ideology and lack of clear programmes by some parties.

Abdullahi disagreed, arguing that parties have distinct policy positions. He cited differences on fuel subsidy removal as example, noting that while the APC supports market-determined pricing, the ADC has proposed returning subsidy with focus on public interest.

Osa Director, National Publicity Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), said the party had advised its supporters against use of abusive language, but would respond to what he described as propaganda against the party with facts.

Rex Elanu, National Publicity Secretary of the African Action Congress (AAC), raised concerns about alleged attacks on the party’s members during campaigns and called for accountability. He also expressed concerns about use of Cybercrimes Act in relation to defamation issues and recalled the party’s position on the Electoral Act.

Participants also discussed discovery of AI-generated profiles reportedly found on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal. They called for investigation and clarification from relevant authorities.

Osa said AI technology itself was not the problem, but advised that INEC should ensure use of verifiable and transparent methods in result collation.

Other issues raised included weak institutions and need for better regulation of information platforms to reduce misinformation.

Summing up the discussion, the panel moderator, Prof. Okechukwu Ibeanu, said voters have a role to play in protecting democratic integrity.

He said access to accurate information is key to helping voters make informed decisions during elections.

Efforts to get reaction from the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the billboard charges and other issues raised were ongoing as at press time. INEC is yet to issue official statement on the AI-profile report.