Wike moves to take over PDP HQ, 4,793 others over unpaid ground rent

Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory Minister, has announced that the FCTA will begin the takeover of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Headquarters along with 4,793 other properties in Abuja over unpaid ground rent, starting Monday, May 26, 2025.

Wike disclosed during a joint press briefing held on Friday in Abuja.

The minister was represented by Lere Olayinka, his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media, along with the Director of Land Administration, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, and the Director of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima.

According to the officials, the revoked properties span several high-profile districts, including the Central Area, Garki I and II, Wuse I and II, Asokoro, Maitama, and Guzape.

The government stated that ownership of these properties has now reverted to the FCTA, and from Monday, it will begin asserting its rights over them.

“This exercise will be carried out strictly in accordance with existing laws and regulations, without regard to the identity or status of the former owners,” the officials said.

The revocations were made under Section 28(5)(a)(b) of the Land Use Act, which grants the government the authority to reclaim land where the terms of occupancy, such as payment of ground rent, have been violated.

The FCTA revealed that the affected property owners had defaulted on a cumulative ground rent of over N6.96 billion, with some debts going back as far as 43 years. A 21-day grace period was earlier given to those owing less than 10 years of rent, but it has since expired.

Speaking at the briefing, Nwankwoeze emphasised that ground rent is payable annually on January 1st without the need for a demand notice.

He also clarified that there was no court injunction restraining the FCTA, thus allowing the administration to proceed with enforcement actions on the properties.

Mukhtar Galadima, Director of Development Control, confirmed that enforcement actions will commence on Monday.

He stated that the FCTA will begin sealing off the affected properties and restricting access as part of the takeover process.