The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revoked the land allocated to the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) national secretariat in Abuja over unpaid ground rents spanning 20 years.
The affected land, Plot No. 243, Central Area, Cadastral Zone A00, Abuja, houses the PDP’s 12-story uncompleted secretariat, which has remained abandoned for over a decade. The revocation, which took effect on March 13, 2025, is part of Wike’s broader efforts to enforce strict land-use compliance within the FCT.
568 PROMINENT NIGERIANS LOSE LAND OVER UNPAID C-OF-O BILLS
In addition to the PDP secretariat, Wike also revoked the land allocations of 568 prominent individuals, including governors and top politicians, for failing to pay their Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) bills within the stipulated period.
Among those affected are:
- Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri
- Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma
- Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele
- PDP National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu
- Former Enugu State Governor, Chimaroke Nnamani
- Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro
- Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa
- Federal lawmaker representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency, Hon. Oluwole Oke
According to Lere Olayinka, media aide to the FCT Minister, the revocation was enforced after an additional two-week grace period granted to defaulters expired without compliance.
It was revealed that in October 2024, 3,273 land allottees were given two weeks to pay their outstanding bills or risk revocation. While 2,511 complied, 762 were granted another grace period. However, as of January 15, 2025, only 194 out of the remaining 762 had made payments, leading to the withdrawal of 568 land titles.
A Notice of Withdrawal of Right of Occupancy in Maitama II, Cadastral Zone A10, Abuja, seen by our correspondent, states: “The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) wishes to inform the allottee(s)/title holder(s) of plots of land in Maitama II, Cadastral Zone A10, Abuja, who have failed to make payment for their Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) bills after the expiration of the grace period granted by the Honourable Minister, Federal Capital Territory, that their Right of Occupancy to the land/property has been withdrawn, pursuant to the provisions of Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978 for contravention of the terms of grant which obligated the title/interest holders to settle all bills.”
The notice clarified that landowners who completed their payments before January 15, 2025, remain unaffected.
PDP’s Uncompleted Secretariat Project
The PDP’s national secretariat project was launched in 2008 with an estimated cost of ₦16 billion. Despite multiple fundraising efforts—where the party reportedly raised over ₦62 billion through donations and the sale of nomination forms—the building has remained incomplete for nearly two decades.
The structure, located in the heart of Abuja’s business district, was meant to be a symbol of PDP’s dominance in Nigerian politics. However, it has since become an eyesore, with reports indicating contractor disputes and alleged mismanagement of project funds.
Wike’s Crackdown on Defaulters
The revocation of these lands is part of a larger campaign by the FCT Administration to ensure landowners comply with payment obligations. Minister Wike has emphasized that his administration will not tolerate violations of land regulations, regardless of political affiliations or social status.
Recently, the FCTA revoked 4,794 land titles over unpaid ground rents totaling ₦6.9 billion.
Political Implications and PDP’s Response
The decision to revoke the PDP’s secretariat land has sparked political conversations, given Wike’s history with the party. Once a key figure in the PDP, Wike is now a minister in President Bola Tinubu’s APC-led government, leading to speculation about whether the move has political undertones.
As of the time of this report, the PDP and affected individuals have not issued official responses. However, sources suggest that legal action may be considered to challenge the FCT Administration’s decision.
With this development, the fate of PDP’s uncompleted national secretariat and the affected 568 landowners remains uncertain, while the FCTA continues its enforcement of land regulations in the capital.
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