The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has revealed that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has failed to pay ground rent for its national secretariat for 28 years, accumulating to a total of N7.6 million. This disclosure was made by Chijioke Nwanwkoeze, the FCT Director of Lands, during a press briefing in Abuja regarding the recent revocation of the PDP’s land title.
The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, earlier revoked the land title of the PDP secretariat located in the Central Area of Abuja. The notice of revocation, dated March 13, 2025, specified the actions taken against the property associated with the PDP.
Nwanwkoeze clarified that the revocation only affected the property under construction in the Central Area, emphasizing that the Wadata Plaza, where the PDP national headquarters is situated, does not actually belong to the party. He explained that the property is owned by Samaila Maman Ofi, who acquired it from Wadata and registered it through assignment.
He stated, “The truth is that the minister revoked 4,794 titles. PDP is just one of them. The title we are discussing belongs only to the Central Area property. The Wadata Plaza building is not PDP’s property.”
The outstanding ground rent dates back to 1998 and spans until 2025, with the FCTA having issued notices for payment. Despite these notices, the PDP did not comply, leading to the revocation. Nwanwkoeze expressed that the revocation was not aimed solely at the PDP, noting that numerous government institutions, private organizations, and individuals had also failed to pay ground rents, some for over 40 years.
He further clarified that a revocation notice was issued to the actual property owner in Kaduna, rather than the PDP, as they are merely tenants. Nwanwkoeze emphasized that the FCTA’s actions are part of a broader initiative to ensure compliance with land regulations across various entities.
The FCTA’s stance has sparked discussions regarding the implications of the revocation and the PDP’s financial responsibilities. As this situation develops, the party’s response to the accusations and the steps it will take moving forward remain to be seen.
