Wike Fires Back at PDP After Revoking Party Headquarters Land Title

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that the revocation of its land title was a move to suppress opposition. He made this known during a meeting with the Body of Benchers, led by Chairman Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), in Abuja.

Wike Rejects PDP’s Allegation

Wike, who is also a life bencher, expressed disappointment over the PDP’s claim that he was instructed to revoke the party’s land title in Central Area, Abuja, for political reasons. He explained that executive actions in Nigeria are often misunderstood, with people attaching political, religious, or ethnic motives to them.

According to him, land titles were revoked because many allottees failed to pay mandatory ground rent for over 10 years. The PDP was among those affected because it had not paid the N7.6 million ground rent for its land, where it was constructing its National Secretariat.

PDP’s Non-Payment of Ground Rent

Wike pointed out that despite the PDP generating between N13 billion and N20 billion from the sale of party forms, it neglected to pay the required rent. Additionally, he revealed that the Wadata Plaza, where the PDP’s current secretariat is located, is not registered under the party’s name but belongs to a senator in Abuja. This individual also failed to pay ground rent for 28 years.

“Maybe they had a deal with the man and did not complete the deed of assignment, but now they are accusing me of targeting them,” Wike said. “What kind of mentality is that?”

Other Affected Institutions

The minister stressed that the revocation was not exclusive to PDP. Other entities, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and private individuals, also had their land titles revoked for the same reason. He mentioned that CBN had requested a reversal, but he insisted that outstanding fees must be paid first.

Wike’s Warning on Ground Rent

Wike also advised the Body of Benchers to ensure their own ground rent was paid, warning that no defaulter would be spared.

On March 17, the minister approved the revocation of 4,794 land titles due to non-payment of ground rent for over a decade. The affected properties included those owned by individuals, corporate organizations, and government institutions.