The party warned that such financial gatekeeping poses a threat not only to opposition parties but also to the entire democratic process in Nigeria.

The African Action Congress (AAC) has reacted sharply to a new policy introduced by the Anambra State Signage and Advertising Agency, which imposes a N50 million levy for political campaign billboards and outdoor political advertising in the state.

In a statement released on Wednesday and signed by Chimezie Uzoukwu, the party's Media Director, the AAC described the policy as anti-democratic and a direct attack on free political participation.

The AAC said, "The African Action Congress (AAC) strongly condemns the recent directive by the Anambra State Signage and Advertising Agency, which pegs the cost of mounting campaign billboards and conducting outdoor political activities at a staggering N50 million.

"This policy, under the watch of Governor Charles Soludo, is nothing short of a calculated attempt to suffocate democratic engagement and silence political opposition in Anambra State."

The party warned that such financial gatekeeping poses a threat not only to opposition parties but also to the entire democratic process in Nigeria.

"At a time when Nigeria desperately needs open political space for honest, visionary candidates to emerge, the Anambra State Government has chosen to erect artificial and outrageous financial barriers to participation," it said.

"This act sends a dangerous message: that democracy in Anambra is reserved only for the wealthy or those with questionable means.

"Policies like this only deepen the culture of criminality in Nigerian politics, where only those with stolen public wealth or the backing of corrupt political godfathers can afford to contest."

The party argued that the fees would deter principled individuals with genuine solutions for the people of Anambra from participating in politics.

The party added: "The AAC refuses to be silenced by this abuse of power. We see this for what it truly is: a blatant attempt to cripple opposition voices, undermine democracy, and preserve the political status quo that has failed our people time and time again.

"We call on the good people of Anambra, civil society, the media, and the wider Nigerian public to reject this authoritarian overreach. Democracy must never be priced out of the reach of the people.

"The AAC remains committed to a people-first campaign grounded in integrity, equity, and accountability.

"No financial hurdle will deter our resolve to deliver a new vision for Anambra, one not bought by money, but built by truth."

During the 2023 general election, the Anambra Signage and Advertising Agency (ANSAA) imposed a fee of N10 million on any presidential candidate from various political parties who wished to mount or paste their posters anywhere in the state.

The agency also mandated senatorial candidates to pay N7 million, while House of Representatives candidates were to pay N5 million.

Those who contested for the state House of Assembly seats were asked to pay N1 million.

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