FCT Minister Wike Revokes PDP New Secretariat Land in Abuja Over Unpaid Ground Rent

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has revoked the land allocated to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for its new secretariat in the Central Area of Abuja due to the party’s failure to pay ground rent for two decades. The decision comes as part of a broader effort by the FCT Administration to enforce compliance with land use regulations and recover outstanding debts.

The plot of land, situated in a prime location within the Central Business District, had been earmarked for the construction of the PDP’s new national secretariat. However, records revealed that the party had neglected to fulfill its financial obligations to the FCT Administration for 20 years. As a result, the minister exercised his authority to revoke the land title, citing a breach of conditions attached to land allocation in the capital territory.

Wike, who assumed office as FCT Minister in August 2023, has been vocal about his commitment to ensuring proper land management and accountability in Abuja. Since taking charge, he has intensified efforts to recover outstanding ground rents from property owners and institutions occupying government-allocated lands. The revocation of the PDP’s secretariat land underscores his administration’s stance that no entity is above the law.

Officials from the FCT Administration confirmed that multiple notices had been sent to the PDP, reminding the party of its financial obligations. Despite these warnings, the ground rent remained unpaid. The administration argued that such prolonged non-compliance not only contravenes land allocation regulations but also deprives the government of crucial revenue needed for infrastructure development and other public services.

In response to the development, PDP officials expressed shock and disappointment, asserting that they had been in the process of addressing the issue. They claimed that bureaucratic delays and communication lapses contributed to the situation and hinted at the possibility of challenging the revocation through legal channels.

This action is part of a wider crackdown initiated by the FCT Administration to address the persistent issue of unpaid ground rents across Abuja. Wike has previously warned that all landholders, regardless of their political affiliations or status, must comply with land use laws or risk losing their allocations. The minister has stressed that the administration’s primary goal is to instill discipline and ensure that Abuja’s land resources are properly managed in line with established guidelines.

The revocation of the PDP’s new secretariat land has sparked political debate, with some viewing the move as a necessary step toward enforcing the rule of law, while others perceive it as politically motivated. Wike, a former PDP governor of Rivers State, has faced scrutiny from various quarters regarding his actions as FCT Minister, particularly in cases involving political parties and high-profile individuals.

As the situation unfolds, attention will remain on the PDP’s next steps and whether the party will pursue legal recourse. Meanwhile, the FCT Administration has reiterated its commitment to enforcing compliance with land use policies across the capital, emphasizing that defaulting landholders will not be given special treatment, regardless of their political or social standing.