By Chukwudi Louis Ani, Political Economist

The Enugu State Government’s recent decision to impose a ₦150,000,000 levy on political billboards raises serious questions about fairness, democracy, and equal access to political participation.

At a time when many citizens are already facing economic challenges, introducing such a high fee for political advertising sends a concerning message.

Elections are meant to be contests of ideas, competence, and vision, not competitions of financial capacity.

By placing political billboards behind a ₦150 million paywall, the policy effectively excludes young aspirants, independent candidates, and smaller parties that do not have access to vast financial resources.

This measure creates what can only be described as a “game of exclusivity.” It benefits entrenched political elites while limiting grassroots participation.

Democracy flourishes when political space is open and competitive. When financial barriers become this extreme, the field tilts heavily toward those already in power.

Furthermore, such a levy risks being seen as a tool of political control rather than a regulatory measure. While governments can regulate public advertising for safety and urban planning, the cost must be reasonable and justifiable.

A fee of this magnitude raises a critical question: Is the government concerned about opposition voices, competitive campaigns, or the possibility of a truly level playing field?

Policies that appear to restrict political expression undermine public trust and raise suspicions.

Instead of imposing heavy financial barriers, the state government should focus on promoting transparent, fair, and inclusive electoral processes. Democracy should never come at a price beyond the reach of the people.

We are equal to the task.