The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revoked the land allocation for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Secretariat in Abuja over 20 years of unpaid ground rent.
The decision was communicated in a letter dated March 13, 2025, titled:
“Notice of Right of Occupancy with File No: MISC 81346 in Respect of Plot No: 243 within Central Area District, Abuja.”
Signed by the Director of Land Administration (FCT), Chijioke Nwankwoeze, the letter cited the PDP’s failure to pay annual ground rents from January 1, 2006, to January 1, 2025, as the reason for the revocation.
Official Statement on Revocation
The letter stated:
“I have been directed to refer to the above Right of Occupancy granted to PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP), NATIONAL SECRETARIAT and inform you that the Minister of Federal Capital Territory has, in the exercise of powers conferred on him under the Land Use Act No. 6 of 1978, Cap. L5, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, revoked your rights, interests and privileges over Plot No. 243 within Central Area, Cadastral Zone A00, Abuja.”
The FCT administration justified its decision by citing the PDP’s failure to comply with repeated notices to settle outstanding bills.
“The revocation is in view of your continued contravention of the terms and conditions of the grant of the Right of Occupancy by failing to pay the annual ground rents due on the property for twenty (20) years, from 1st of January 2006 to 1st of January 2025,” the statement read.
It further referenced Section 28, Subsection 5 (a) and (b) of the Land Use Act, which grants the FCT Minister the power to revoke land rights for failure to meet lease conditions.
Political Implications
This development is likely to stir political controversy, given that Wike, a former PDP governor, is now a key member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). His relationship with the PDP has been tense, particularly after his bitter feud with the party’s leadership following the 2023 general elections.
The PDP is yet to respond officially to the land revocation, but political analysts speculate that the party might challenge the decision legally or seek a settlement with the FCT administration.
