By Bosun Obafemi
In a controversial decision, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revoked the land ownership rights of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) national secretariat in Abuja.
The revocation notice, titled “Notice of Right of Occupancy with File No: MISC 81346 in Respect of Plot No: 243 within Central Area District, Abuja,” was issued on March 13, 2025, and signed by the Director of Land Administration (FCT), Chijioke Nwankwoeze.
According to the notice, the PDP failed to fulfill its financial obligations by neglecting to pay annual ground rents on the property for the past 20 years, from 2006 to 2025, despite multiple reminders and appeals made through national newspapers and electronic media.
A portion of the letter reads:
“I have been directed to inform you that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, 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, has revoked your rights, interests, and privileges over Plot No. 243 within Central Area, Cadastral Zone A00, Abuja.”
The revocation was justified under Section 28, Subsection 5 (a) and (b) of the Land Use Act, which permits authorities to reclaim land due to non-compliance with the terms of occupancy.
As a result, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) will assume control of the PDP national secretariat until all outstanding ground rent fees and other dues are fully settled.
