The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has ordered the sealing of the national secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) along with 4,793 other properties in Abuja. This action follows the revocation of land titles due to non-payment of ground rent, affecting various government and private entities.
Key Takeaways
- Nyesom Wike has directed the sealing of the PDP secretariat and 4,793 other properties in Abuja.
- The properties were revoked for non-payment of ground rent ranging from 10 to 43 years.
- The FCTA will take possession of these properties starting Monday, May 26, 2025.
- The PDP has condemned the revocation as an attempt to stifle opposition.
Background of the Property Seizures
In March 2025, the FCTA announced the revocation of 4,794 land titles due to long-standing defaults in ground rent payments. The affected properties span several key districts in Abuja, including:
- Central Area
- Garki I and II
- Wuse I and II
- Asokoro
- Maitama
- Guzape
The total amount owed in ground rent by these property owners is approximately N6.97 billion, with some titles in default for as long as 43 years.
Details of the Sealing Process
During a press briefing, Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications, stated that the FCTA would begin sealing the properties without regard to ownership claims. The sealing process will restrict access to these properties, and the FCTA will determine their future use.
The properties include significant institutions such as:
- Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)
- Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
- Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)
- Various state governments and private companies
PDP’s Response to the Revocation
The PDP has expressed strong disapproval of the government’s actions, labeling the revocation as a politically motivated attempt to suppress opposition voices. Debo Ologunagba, the party’s national publicity secretary, stated that the move threatens democracy and is aimed at stifling dissent.
Ologunagba highlighted that both the current and new PDP secretariats are affected by the revocation, which he described as a despicable act against the party’s longstanding presence in Abuja.
Legal and Administrative Implications
The FCTA has clarified that there are no ongoing court cases regarding the revocation, allowing them to proceed with the sealing of properties. The Director of Land Administration, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, emphasized that the government is compiling records of compliance and non-compliance among title holders who were given a grace period to settle their debts.
Conclusion
The sealing of the PDP secretariat and other properties marks a significant escalation in the FCTA’s efforts to enforce land regulations in Abuja. As the government prepares to take possession of these properties, the political ramifications of this action are likely to unfold in the coming days, with the PDP and other affected parties expected to respond vigorously to defend their interests.
Sources
- Wike orders sealing of PDP secretariat, CBN, 4,792 other properties in Abuja, Premium Times Nigeria.
- Wike seals PDP secretariat, 4,793 others Monday, The Guardian Nigeria News.
- ‘Ka Ayyana Dokar Ta Ɓaci a Abuja,’ Majalisa Ta Aika Sabuwar Buƙata ga Tinubu, Legit.ng.
