In a bold demonstration of zero tolerance for land defaulters, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), under the leadership of Minister Nyesom Wike, has sealed the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over a staggering 20-year backlog of unpaid ground rents.
On Monday afternoon, FCTA enforcement officers stormed Wadata Plaza—home to the PDP’s national secretariat in Abuja’s Wuse Zone 5—locking the entrance gate and effectively shutting down operations at the opposition party’s power base.
The dramatic action comes months after Minister Wike vowed to sanitize the FCT’s land administration system, warning that defaulters would face the full weight of the law. True to his word, in March 2025, the FCTA revoked a total of 4,794 land titles, including the PDP’s prime real estate in the capital.
Ground rent, a statutory annual fee payable by land occupants for the continued use of allocated plots, has reportedly gone unpaid by the PDP since January 1, 2006—accumulating a 20-year debt. This dereliction prompted a final notice of revocation, delivered in an official FCTA letter dated March 13, 2025.
The letter, titled “Notice of Right of Occupancy with File No: MISC 81346 in Respect of Plot No: 243 within Central Area District, Abuja,” was signed by Chijioke Nwankwoeze, Director of Land Administration. It stated unequivocally that the Minister, exercising his powers under the Land Use Act of 1978, had revoked the PDP’s rights, interests, and privileges over the property.
“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…revoked your rights, interests and privileges over Plot No. 243,” the letter read.
Earlier, at a press briefing, Director of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, had issued a stern warning that all properties found to be in default would be sealed from Monday, May 26, 2025. He stressed that despite repeated notices—via national dailies and electronic media—the PDP failed to meet its legal obligations.
This unprecedented move not only underscores the Wike-led FCTA’s commitment to restoring order in land management but also sends a clear message to political parties and private entities alike: no one is above the law.
As the once-bustling secretariat of Nigeria’s main opposition party now lies under lock and key, political watchers are left to ponder the implications—not just for the PDP’s operations—but for the broader political climate heading into the next election cycle.
PIONEER NEWS 