Wike Justifies High Billboard Costs in Abuja, Says Politics is Costly

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, defended the high costs of billboard advertising in Abuja. This comes as opposition parties express concerns about the affordability of campaign platforms before the 2027 general elections.

During a media chat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Wike addressed complaints from opposition parties that the rising costs of billboard spaces in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) could hinder their ability to reach voters. Billboards are a key advertising tool for political parties during election campaigns.

Wike acknowledged that political campaigns are expensive worldwide. He suggested that political parties could also use social media to connect with their supporters. “Politics is expensive all over the world,” he said, emphasizing the importance of diversifying campaign strategies.

The minister explained that the increase in billboard charges is part of the FCT administration’s efforts to raise revenue, not to disadvantage opposition parties. He stated, “We want money. The FCT wants money, and part of us making money is through the billboards.” He assured that the funds generated would be used to improve infrastructure in the territory.

Wike also downplayed the significance of billboard advertising in winning elections, arguing that many voters, especially in rural areas, may not even see the billboards. He stated, “A billboard does not win an election; how many people in the villages know about the billboard?”

Regarding equal access to campaign platforms, Wike noted that major political parties also pay for premium advertising slots in media organizations. He insisted that the FCT administration’s main goal is to generate revenue and that it does not control which parties secure billboard spaces.

Wike invited opposition parties to formally raise any concerns with the FCT administration, stating, “Let them complain to us; no one has complained to us. Nobody has complained to me.”