N50 Million Campaign Permit Fee for Anambra Guber Election Sparks ‘Fraud’ Allegation from APC Candidate Ukachukwu

The introduction of a N50 million permit fee for gubernatorial campaigns in Anambra State has ignited a fierce controversy, with Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the upcoming governorship election, vehemently denouncing it as an act of fraud.

The controversial fee was announced by the Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ANSAA) as a statutory requirement to regulate outdoor advertising and campaign-related activities across the state. Mr. Tony Odili Ujubuoñu, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ANSAA, revealed that this N50 million permit must be obtained before any campaign activities, including rallies, deployment of posters, banners, branded vehicles, and other materials, can commence.

Ujubuoñu defended the fee, stating its purpose is to ensure orderliness, prevent visual pollution, create a level playing field for all candidates, and maintain professional standards in public advertising spaces. He also cited economic realities and the operational costs associated with monitoring and coordinating numerous campaign materials throughout the state, including post-election clean-up efforts, as justification for the amount. He emphasized that the fee is payable directly to the Anambra State government account and that non-compliance would lead to the removal of materials and potential legal repercussions.

However, Ukachukwu, who recently emerged as the APC flag-bearer for the November 8, 2025, governorship election, has sharply criticized the levy. While the specific details of his “fraud” claim were not extensively elaborated in recent reports, the accusation suggests that the fee is viewed by the opposition as excessive, exploitative, or designed to create an unfair electoral advantage. Political parties and candidates often view such fees as attempts by incumbent governments to create barriers to entry or illicitly raise funds.

The APC candidate, who has vowed to deliver Anambra to the APC and bring the state to the center, is expected to continue to challenge the current All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) government led by Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo. The N50 million permit fee is likely to become a significant talking point in the build-up to the gubernatorial contest, adding another layer of contention to the state’s already vibrant and often contentious political landscape.