Wike denies approving N750m fee for 2027 campaign billboards in FCT

● Minister dismisses report as “political propaganda,” says no such approval was made

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed reports claiming he approved a ₦750 million permit fee for the erection of 2027 presidential campaign billboards in Abuja.

The clarification was made on Saturday through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, in an interview with _TheCable_.

—What Was Alleged—

The reports circulating online and among bloggers claimed that:

1. Every presidential campaign organisation intending to erect billboards in the FCT would pay a ₦750 million permit fee.

2. A ₦5 million penalty would be imposed on any individual, party or group that erects campaign billboards without approval from FCT authorities.

The claims sparked reactions on social media, with many linking it to the early build-up to the 2027 general elections.

—Wike’s Response—

Olayinka said the report was false and described it as typical election-season propaganda.

“If the FCT Minister will do such, won’t there be a press statement officially?

(It’s) normal things in politics and you know most people won’t check,” he said.

He stressed that no such fee was approved by the FCT Administration and urged the public to disregard the claims.

—Wike Also Speaks On Rivers Crisis—

In a separate media chat in Port Harcourt on Saturday, Wike accused some close associates of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, of giving him poor advice that worsened the political crisis in the state.

He named former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Edison Ehie; Chijioke Ihunwo; Victor Oko Jumbo; and activist Ankio Briggs as persons he believes influenced the governor’s decisions after the peace agreement brokered by President Bola Tinubu.

According to Wike, their counsel pushed Fubara away from commitments made during the settlement process.

He said the governor bore the brunt of the political battle and added that he feels sorry for Fubara given the challenges he faced throughout the dispute.

The FCT Minister’s comments come amid ongoing political tension in Rivers State and early permutations ahead of the 2027 polls.