The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has denied claims by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that the revocation of its land title was meant to weaken opposition.

Wike made this statement when officials of the Body of Benchers, led by Chairman Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, visited him in Abuja. He criticized the PDP for alleging that he was instructed to revoke the party’s land in Central Area, Abuja, as a political move.

He explained that people often link executive actions to politics, religion, or ethnicity. However, the revocation of land titles was due to allottees failing to pay ground rent for over 10 years, not politics.

Wike revealed that despite being in power for many years and earning billions from party form sales, the PDP had not paid the required N7.6 million ground rent for its National Secretariat land.

He further stated that Wadata Plaza, where the PDP’s secretariat is located, is not officially registered under the party but under a senator who has not paid rent for 28 years. He criticized the PDP for blaming him instead of resolving its land issues.

Wike stressed that the land revocation affected many organizations, including INEC, the CBN, and individuals, not just the PDP. He also advised the Body of Benchers to ensure they pay their ground rent, warning that no one would be exempt.

On March 17, 2025, Wike approved the revocation of 4,794 land titles due to non-payment of ground rent for over 10 years. This affected various individuals, companies, and government bodies.