Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has taken a significant step by dislodging the PDP through revoking the land belonging to the Party’s (PDP) national secretariat situated in Abuja.
Nyesom Wike’s actions have positioned him as a controversial figure within Nigerian politics. Despite serving as a minister of the FCT Abuja under the All Progressives Congress (APC) led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he has been a persistent thorn in the side of his party, the PDP. Wike remains a card carrying member and stalwart of the opposition PDP.
In a letter dated March 13, 2025, Wike issued the revocation notice under the title, “Notice of right of occupancy with file no: MISC 81346 in respect of plot no: 243 within central area district, Abuja,” which was made public on Tuesday.
The letter was signed by Chijioke Nwankwoeze, the Director of Land Administration (FCT).
Wike stated that the opposition party PDP had neglected to pay the required annual ground rents on the property in Abuja for a staggering twenty years, spanning from January 1, 2006, to January 1, 2025. This oversight occurred despite numerous notices published in various national newspapers and electronic media urging the party to settle all outstanding bills and ground rent.
The letter explicitly stated, “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, 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, revoked your rights, interests and privileges over Plot No. 243 within Central Area, Cadastral Zone A00, Abuja.”
Further elaborating on the situation, Wike noted, “The revocation is in view of your continued contravention of the terms and conditions of grant of the Right of Occupancy by failing to pay the annual ground rents due on the property for twenty years, from 1st of January 2006 to 1st of January 2025. This is despite the many publications made by the FCT Administration since 2023 in several national dailies and on electronic media requesting all allottees of plots in the Federal Capital Territory to pay up every outstanding bill and ground rent on their property.”
He added, “You would please note that the said breaches by PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP), NATIONAL SECRETARIAT (MISC 81346) run contrary to the provisions of Section 28, Subsection 5 (a) and (b) of the Land Use Act.”
Wike indicated that the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), which he leads, will immediately take possession of the party secretariat until all outstanding bills are resolved.
Previously, Wike had approved the revocation of 4,794 land titles in the FCT due to non-payment of ground rent, which has accumulated to an estimated N6.9 billion over the past 40 years.
This information was shared in a statement released by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, following a press briefing by the Director of Lands, Chijioke Nwanwkoeze, on Monday.
The statement revealed that a total of 8,375 property owners in the Central Area, Garki I and II, Wuse I and II, Asokoro, Maitama, and Guzape have not paid their ground rent for the last 43 years.
Moreover, Olayinka pointed out that these property owners collectively owe a total of N6,967,980,119, while 4,794 land titles have been in default of ground rent payment for ten years or more.
He emphasized that the revocation was a result of numerous publications and announcements made by the FCT Administration since 2023, reiterating that the payment of ground rents is mandated by existing laws.
“It should be noted that the FCTA made numerous publications in national newspapers and announcements on broadcast media since 2023, calling on defaulters to pay up all outstanding bills and ground rents. All these yielded little response, as several allottees failed to pay.”
Olayinka further clarified, “It is important to state that payment of ground rent on landed properties in the FCT is founded on extant legislation. It is clearly stipulated in the terms and conditions of the grant of Right of Occupancy, and it is due for payment on the first day of January, each year, without demand.”
How Wike is allegedly destroying the PDP
Nyesom Wike, the former governor of Rivers State and currently the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has played a significant role in undermining the Peoples Democratic Party PDP from Abuja and its candidates in various ways. His actions and decisions have not only affected the party’s internal dynamics but have also had a substantial impact on its electoral prospects.
Here are some key points illustrating how Wike has crippled the PDP and spoiled the chances of its presidential candidates and others:
- Leadership Challenges and Factionalism: Wike’s contentious relationship with the PDP leadership has led to deepening divisions within the party. His public criticisms and refusal to align with party decisions have contributed to factionalism, making it difficult for the PDP to present a united front during elections.
- Withdrawal of Support: Wike’s withdrawal of support for the party’s presidential candidates during critical elections has significantly weakened their campaigns. His influence in the South-South region, where he has a strong political base, has meant that his backing is crucial for any PDP candidate. By withholding his support, he effectively diminishes their chances of success.
- Public Feuds: His high-profile feuds with other prominent PDP leaders, including former governors and party stalwarts, have drawn public attention and created a perception of instability within the party. This infighting has alienated potential voters and undermined the party’s credibility.
- Strategic Alliances with APC: Wike’s decision to collaborate with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has raised eyebrows within the PDP. His acceptance of a ministerial position under President Tinubu, despite being a prominent member of the PDP, has caused disillusionment among party loyalists and has been seen as a betrayal.
- Control of Resources: As a former governor with significant control over state resources, Wike’s ability to fund party activities and campaigns has diminished since he aligned with the APC. This shift has limited the PDP’s ability to mobilize and campaign effectively in key regions.
- Electoral Strategy Disruptions: Wike’s actions have disrupted the PDP’s electoral strategies, particularly in the South-South and South-East regions. His personal ambitions and political maneuvering have led to a lack of coherent strategies, resulting in missed opportunities during elections.
- Public Perception and Media Narratives: Wike has often used the media to voice his grievances against the PDP leadership, shaping public perception and narratives that may not favor the party. This has created an environment of distrust among the electorate regarding the party’s stability and unity.
- Failure to Foster Alliances: The PDP has traditionally relied on forming coalitions with other parties to bolster its electoral chances. Wike’s contentious stance has made it difficult for the PDP to forge necessary alliances, particularly with regional parties that could enhance its voter base.
In summary, Nyesom Wike’ the FCT Minister in Abuja ations have had a profound impact on the PDP, contributing to its fragmentation and reducing the electoral viability of its candidates. His ability to undermine the party from within while simultaneously holding a ministerial position in the APC exemplifies the complexities of Nigerian politics and the challenges faced by opposition parties in the current political landscape.