Doris Ogala, Nollywood actress and governorship candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in Abia State, says Governor Alex Otti is afraid of her popularity and grassroots support ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Gatekeepers News reports that Ogala also alleged that the state government introduced fees for political campaign advertising permits because of her, claiming Otti knows she cannot afford the charges.
In July, the Abia government announced that political candidates seeking to use billboards and posters for campaign activities in the state would be required to obtain political campaign advertising permits and pay the prescribed fees.
Under the new rates, presidential candidates are required to pay N200 million, while governorship candidates are to pay N150 million.
Senatorial candidates will pay N100 million, while House of Representatives and state House of Assembly candidates are required to pay N50 million and N20 million, respectively.
Ogala is expected to contest against Otti, who is seeking a second term on the platform of the Labour Party (LP).
Speaking on The Clarity Zone podcast, Ogala alleged that the billboard permit fees were introduced specifically to limit her campaign because of her support among residents.
“Which law says that? I dare him to pull down my billboard if I put it up, and if he does, we will campaign without billboards. How much did he pay during his own time?” she said.
“He is afraid of me, my popularity and the love the people are showing me. That’s why he made that law. He knows APC and PDP candidates can afford it, and I’m the only one who can’t, working with the poor, managing my life and trying to rescue the state.”
Ogala further claimed that Otti considers her a serious threat because of her grassroots support.
“They’re afraid of me. Alex is scared of me because he knows I have the capacity; people love me, and I have grassroots support.”
The actress also described herself as the “strongest opposition” in the governorship race.
She said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is divided and dismissed the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, claiming she is “smarter” than her.
