Abuja, Nigeria – March 18, 2025 – The National Working Committee (NWC) of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has convened an emergency meeting at its headquarters in Abuja following the revocation of the party’s national secretariat land rights by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over unpaid dues.
The decision to withdraw the PDP’s Right of Occupancy was formally communicated to the party’s national chairman on Tuesday, further escalating tensions between Wike and the PDP leadership, despite his continued membership in the party.
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Wike’s Justification for the Revocation
A statement from the FCT Administration (FCTA) outlined the grounds for the revocation, citing non-payment of ground rents for nearly 20 years.
“I have been directed to refer to the above Right of Occupancy granted to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) 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,” the statement read.
It further stated, “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 (20) years, from 1st of January 2006 to 1st of January 2025.
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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 properties.”
The FCTA emphasized that it had officially taken possession of the land, citing violations under Section 28, Subsection 5 (a) and (b) of the Land Use Act.
Escalating Tensions Between Wike and the PDP
This development is the latest in a series of actions by Wike that have undermined the PDP, fueling speculation about his allegiance to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Since the 2023 presidential election, where he played a key role in ensuring Bola Tinubu’s victory over PDP candidate Atiku Abubakar, Wike has continued to distance himself from the party’s leadership.
He has also been accused of orchestrating moves to impeach his successor, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, using lawmakers loyal to him—a situation that has further deepened the crisis within the PDP.
PDP’s Response and Possible Sanctions
During the emergency meeting, PDP leaders are expected to deliberate on Wike’s loyalty and whether disciplinary measures, including suspension or outright expulsion, should be taken against him. Sources indicate that some party stakeholders are pushing for a firm response, arguing that Wike cannot continue to benefit from PDP membership while actively undermining its interests.
The meeting will also address the party’s legal options regarding the land revocation, as well as its broader strategy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Wike’s Reaction
Despite the backlash, Wike has remained defiant, insisting that his actions are in line with due process and governance. He has repeatedly dismissed threats from the PDP, stating that he remains a party member but will continue to work with President Tinubu’s administration for national development.
As the PDP grapples with its internal crisis, political analysts believe this latest confrontation could further weaken the party’s position as the main opposition force in Nigeria.
Stay tuned for updates.
