Cross River: Presidential ads ₦150m, governorship ₦100m

Amarachi Ihesiulo

August 14, 2026
2 min read
Cross River

Political advertising in Cross River State is attracting renewed attention as campaign-related spending ahead of the 2027 elections becomes an increasingly important part of the political landscape.

Reports indicate that presidential campaign advertisements in the state have been pegged at ₦150 million, while advertisements linked to governorship campaigns are set at ₦100 million, highlighting the growing financial stakes surrounding political visibility ahead of the elections.

The reported figures underline the importance politicians and political parties are placing on advertising as they prepare to sell their candidates, policies and messages to voters.

With the 2027 elections approaching, political actors are expected to deploy a combination of traditional media, outdoor advertising, digital platforms, rallies and grassroots mobilisation to reach voters.

Cross River, a politically competitive state with a strong history of political mobilisation, is likely to witness increased campaign activity as parties position themselves ahead of the polls.

Advertising has long played an important role in Nigerian elections, particularly through billboards, posters, radio, television and newspapers. Research on political advertising in Cross River has also found that exposure to campaign billboards can influence voters’ perceptions and voting decisions.

The reported advertising rates therefore provide an indication of the scale of financial resources that political organisations may need to deploy to maintain visibility during the election season.

The development also comes amid heightened preparations by political parties across the country. Parties are already holding meetings, positioning aspirants and mobilising supporters ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In Cross River, the ruling All Progressives Congress has previously endorsed Governor Bassey Otu and his deputy, Peter Odey, for another term, setting the stage for a potentially intense political contest.

The cost of political advertising is expected to remain a subject of public discussion as election spending increases.

Beyond the financial implications for candidates, the figures raise questions about equal access to political communication, the influence of campaign spending and the ability of less-funded candidates to compete for public attention.

As political activities gather momentum, parties and aspirants are expected to intensify their media campaigns while voters increasingly scrutinise both the messages being promoted and the resources being committed to winning their support.