NIGERIA: Wike Revokes PDP National Secretariat Land Over Unpaid Ground Rent

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revoked the land allocation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national secretariat in Abuja over non-payment of ground rent for two decades.

The revocation, conveyed in a letter dated March 13, 2025 was signed by the Director of Land Administration, Chijioke Nwankwoeze.

It cited the opposition party’s failure to pay its annual ground rent from January 1, 2006 to January 1, 2025 despite repeated warnings from the FCT Administration (FCTA).

According to the letter, the decision was made in line with the powers conferred on the minister under the Land Use Act No. 6 of 1978, Cap. L5, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

“The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory has, in the exercise of powers conferred on him, revoked your rights, interests, and privileges over Plot No. 243 within Central Area, Cadastral Zone A00, Abuja,” the letter stated.

Wike’s directive follows multiple publications in national dailies and electronic media since 2023, urging all land allottees to settle outstanding payments.

The letter further referenced Section 28, Subsection 5 (a) and (b) of the Land Use Act, emphasizing that the PDP’s breach of terms warranted revocation.

With the revocation, the FCTA will take immediate possession of the property, potentially disrupting activities at the PDP’s national headquarters.

This move is expected to heighten political tensions, as Wike, a former PDP governor of Rivers State, has been at odds with the party leadership since joining President Bola Tinubu’s administration under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

It remains unclear whether the PDP will seek legal action or negotiate a resolution to reclaim the property.