Wike Breaks Silence on PDP Land Revocation: “This is About Law, Not Politics”
Minister Denies Using Land Policy to Suppress Opposition
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has fired back at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over claims that the revocation of its Abuja land title was politically motivated.
The former Rivers State Governor clarified that the revocation was not a targeted attack on the PDP but part of a larger effort to restore order to Abuja’s land administration system.
He made these statements while addressing members of the Body of Benchers, led by Chairman Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, who visited his office on Friday, March 29, 2025.
PDP’s Allegations: Political Suppression or Legal Obligation?
The PDP had earlier accused Wike of using his ministerial powers to silence the opposition, alleging that the government deliberately revoked its land title in Abuja’s Central Area as part of a political strategy.
However, Wike dismissed these claims, stating that the PDP had itself to blame for failing to fulfill its financial obligations on the land.
“The PDP has been in power for many years. They generated billions from party forms and other means, yet they could not pay the required ground rent. Why should they be exempted from the rules that apply to everyone else?” Wike asked.
According to him, the PDP’s unpaid ground rent amounted to ₦7.6 million, and the party had ignored multiple notices to settle the debt before the March 17, 2025, revocation exercise.
Who Really Owns Wadata Plaza? Shocking Revelation by Wike
In an unexpected twist, Wike revealed that Wadata Plaza, the PDP’s National Secretariat in Abuja, is not even officially registered as a PDP property.
“Legally, Wadata Plaza is registered under a Senator residing in Abuja, not the PDP itself. For 28 years, this individual has failed to pay the required ground rent, yet the PDP continues to claim ownership and accuse me of playing politics,” Wike stated.
He suggested that the party may have had an informal arrangement with the property owner but had never completed the legal transfer of ownership.
“Maybe they had a private deal with the owner, but they did not finalize the deed of assignment. Now they are crying foul when the real issue is non-payment of fees. What kind of mentality is that?” he questioned.
Land Revocation Not Limited to PDP – INEC, CBN Also Affected
Dismissing the allegation of selective targeting, Wike emphasized that several individuals, businesses, and institutions—including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)—had their land titles revoked for the same reason.
“This is not a political issue—it’s an enforcement issue. Everyone, including INEC, CBN, and private individuals, has been affected. The law must be applied equally, regardless of political affiliation,” he said.
He noted that some wealthy individuals and top government agencies had also lost their land due to long-term non-compliance with Abuja’s land regulations.
Over 4,794 Land Titles Revoked Across Abuja
Wike reiterated that the land revocation exercise affected a staggering 4,794 land titles across the Federal Capital Territory.
According to him, many of these landowners had failed to meet their obligations for over 10 years, while others had abandoned their plots without any development despite holding them for decades.
“We cannot allow prime lands in Abuja to remain idle or be held by defaulters who refuse to pay ground rent. These lands should be given to serious investors who will use them productively,” he explained.
The minister emphasized that no defaulter, whether an individual or institution, would be spared in the ongoing drive to sanitize Abuja’s land administration.
Body of Benchers Warned to Pay Outstanding Dues
During the visit, Wike also urged members of the Body of Benchers to check their own land payment records, warning that the government would not hesitate to revoke titles of non-compliant landowners.
“Even you, the respected Body of Benchers, must ensure that your ground rent payments are up to date. If we find that you are defaulting, we will not spare you either,” he said.
His remarks underscored his commitment to a fair and transparent process, regardless of the status or influence of landowners.
PDP’s Next Move: Will They Pay or Keep Protesting?
While the PDP has vowed to challenge the revocation, legal experts believe the party may have no strong case if it indeed failed to meet its financial obligations.
Observers suggest that instead of engaging in political arguments, the PDP should resolve its outstanding dues and work towards legally securing the land title.
Meanwhile, Nigerians are closely watching whether other high-profile landowners will comply with Wike’s strict enforcement drive or face similar revocations.
Read also: Atiku Reveals Why He Didn’t Choose Wike as His Running Mate in 2023
A Case of Law Over Politics
With these developments, it is clear that the land revocation exercise was not solely targeted at the PDP but part of a wider reform effort.
While the PDP insists it is being victimized, Wike has provided concrete evidence that the party, like thousands of other landowners, was affected due to long-term non-compliance with Abuja’s land regulations.
Now, the big question remains: Will the PDP settle its outstanding ground rent, or will it continue to claim political persecution?