The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revoked the land hosting the national secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja. The revocation, announced on Tuesday, stems from the opposition party’s failure to settle 20 years of outstanding ground rents, spanning from January 1, 2006, to January 1, 2025.
Revocation Notice Issued
The formal notice, dated March 13, 2025, was detailed in a letter titled “Notice of Right of Occupancy with File No: MISC 81346 in Respect of Plot No. 243 Within Central Area District, Abuja.” Signed by Chijioke Nwankwoeze, Director of Land Administration (FCT), the letter cited the PDP’s persistent non-payment despite repeated public reminders. The FCT Administration had, since 2023, issued multiple calls through national dailies and electronic media, urging allottees to clear all outstanding bills and ground rents on their properties.
Legal Basis for Action
Wike’s decision is grounded in the Land Use Act No. 6 of 1978, Cap. L5, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004. The letter explicitly referenced the minister’s authority under this legislation, stating, “The Minister of 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 revocation hinges on Section 28, Subsection 5 (a) and (b), which the PDP breached by failing to comply with the terms of its Right of Occupancy.
The PDP’s financial lapse covers a staggering 20-year period, with unpaid ground rents accumulating since 2006. The FCT Administration emphasized that the party ignored numerous opportunities to rectify the situation, leading to the drastic measure. “This is despite the many publications made by the FCT Administration since 2023,” the letter noted, underscoring the opposition party’s apparent disregard for its obligations. Wike has directed that the FCT Administration take immediate possession of the PDP national secretariat until all outstanding bills are settled.
