What’s Happening?
The revocation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national secretariat land in Abuja has sparked a heated debate, with the party’s elders blaming Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). However, Wike’s aide, Lere Olayinka, has fired back, stating that the PDP’s leadership, including Chief Bode George, is responsible for the party’s failure to pay 28 years of ground rent.
Olayinka criticized Chief Bode George for accusing Wike of declaring war on the PDP, emphasizing that the FCT Administration revoked 4,794 land titles over unpaid ground rent, some dating back 43 years.
The Core Issue: Unpaid Ground Rent
The PDP’s national secretariat land, located in the Central Area of Abuja, was revoked due to 20 years of unpaid ground rent, amounting to ₦7.6 million. Olayinka revealed that the party had raised over ₦21 billion in 2014 for the completion of the secretariat building but failed to settle the ground rent.
He also clarified that the Wadata Plaza, currently used as the PDP secretariat, does not belong to the party. Instead, it is owned by Senator Samaila Mamman Kurfi, who purchased it from Wadata Enterprises Nigeria Limited.
Chief Bode George’s Allegations
Chief Bode George, a prominent PDP elder, had accused Wike of crossing the “red line” by revoking the party’s land, calling it a declaration of war. However, Olayinka dismissed these claims, pointing out that George was part of the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) when the party failed to finalize the purchase of Wadata Plaza in 2005.
At the time, the PDP was required to pay ₦26.9 million to obtain the Minister’s Consent but instead requested a waiver from then-FCT Minister Nasir El-Rufai, citing financial constraints. El-Rufai refused, insisting on payment. Olayinka questioned why George did not accuse El-Rufai, a PDP member at the time, of waging war against the party.
A Deeper Dive: The Wadata Plaza Saga
The Wadata Plaza has been a symbol of the PDP’s presence in Abuja for years. However, the party’s failure to complete its purchase in 2005 and its subsequent neglect of ground rent payments have left it vulnerable to revocation.
Olayinka’s revelation that the property belongs to Senator Samaila Mamman Kurfi adds another layer of complexity to the issue. It raises questions about the PDP’s long-term planning and financial discipline, especially given the ₦21 billion raised for the secretariat’s completion in 2014.
The Broader Implications of Land Revocation
The revocation of 4,794 land titles in Abuja is part of a broader effort by the FCT Administration to enforce land regulations and recover unpaid ground rent. This move affects not only the PDP but also major institutions like the CBN, INEC, and NNPC, highlighting the widespread nature of the problem.
For Wike, the challenge is to balance enforcement with fairness, ensuring that no one is unfairly targeted while upholding the rule of law.
The PDP’s Internal Challenges
The controversy has exposed deep divisions within the PDP, with elders like Chief Bode George publicly criticizing Wike, a former party stalwart. This infighting could weaken the party’s cohesion and undermine its efforts to rebuild ahead of future elections.
The PDP must address these internal challenges and focus on uniting its members if it hopes to remain a formidable force in Nigerian politics.
Olayinka’s Defense of Wike
Olayinka defended Wike’s actions, stating that the revocation was part of a broader enforcement of land regulations affecting 4,794 properties, including those owned by institutions like the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC).
He questioned whether Chief Bode George would have handled the PDP’s case differently if he were FCT Minister, given the widespread nature of the revocations.
Why This Matters
The revocation of the PDP’s land has exposed deep divisions within the party and raised questions about its financial management. The controversy also highlights the challenges of enforcing land regulations in Abuja, where many property owners have neglected their obligations for decades.
For Wike, the issue is a test of his commitment to enforcing the law, even when it affects his former party. For the PDP, it’s a wake-up call to address internal mismanagement and unite ahead of future elections.
Read also: “NSCDC Urges Swift Action on Safe Schools Initiative as 80% of Nigerian Schools Remain Vulnerable”
Key Takeaways
- The PDP’s national secretariat land was revoked due to 20 years of unpaid ground rent.
- Wike’s aide, Lere Olayinka, blamed PDP elders, including Chief Bode George, for the party’s failure to pay.
- The Wadata Plaza used as the PDP secretariat is owned by Senator Samaila Mamman Kurfi, not the party.
- The FCT Administration revoked 4,794 land titles over unpaid ground rent, some dating back 43 years.
- The controversy highlights internal divisions within the PDP and challenges in enforcing land regulations.
