Over 12 Political parties under the umbrella of the Coalition Of Opposition Political Parties (COPP) in Cross River State have rejected the proposed charges by the Cross River State Signage and Advertisement Agency (CRISSAA) for political campaign advertisements ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing the tariff as excessive,anti-democratic and unacceptable.
COPP, in a statement signed by the state chairmen of the ZLP, YPP, PRP ,ACCORD, AAC, BOOT, NNPP, SDP, APM, PDP ,LP ,YP and others, said the proposed fees could make political participation inaccessible to opposition and less financially endowed candidates.
According to the document in circulation cited by the coalition, presidential candidates would be required to pay 150 million, governorship candidates 100 million, senatorial candidates 50 million, House of Representative 25 million,and House of Assembly candidates 5 million for political campaign advertisements.
COPP described the proposed charges as "outrageous, excessive, insensitive and completely unacceptable," arguing that political advertisement is an important component of democratic participation because it allows candidates and political parties to communicate their policies, programs and messages to voters.
The coalition warned that imposing Charges of such magnitude could disproportionately affect opposition parties, independent -minded candidates and citizens seeking to participate in the political process.
Democracy thrives when political parties are able to compete on the strength of their ideas, programmes, competence and acceptance by the people -- not on the depth of their financial resources, COPP stated.
The group further expressed concern that the proposed tariff regime could create an uneven political playing field ahead of the 2027 elections if allowed to stand.
COPP therefore called on the Cross River State government and CRISSAA to immediately suspend and review the proposed charges pending consultations with all registered political parties and other stakeholders.
The opposition coalition also demanded clarification on the legal and regulatory basis for the proposed fees, the methodology used to determine the amounts whether political parties were consulted,the services and duration covered by each charge,and whether there would be provisions for appeals , waivers or reviews.
The group urged CRISSAA and the state government to engage political parties in constructive dialogue rather than impose measures that could generate tension in the political space.
COPP also called on civil society organisations, professional bodies, religious organisations,youth and women groups and other Cross Rivarians to demand what it describes as a transparent, equitable and accessible political environment ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Coalition insisted that no administrative policy should undermine the constitutional right of citizens and political parties to participate freely in the democratic process.
Democracy must not become a marketplace where only those who can afford exorbitant fees are permitted to be heard,the statement said.
COPP affirm its commitment to a free, fair, transparent, inclusive and competitive electoral process in Cross River State and Nigeria, saying it would continue to defend the democratic rights of political parties and citizens through lawful and constitutional means.
Signed:
Chairman
Coalition of Opposition Political Parties (COPP)CRS
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