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| Wadata Plaza sealed by FCT Minister |
ABUJA, May 24, 2025 – The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has ordered sealing of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national secretariat, Wadata Plaza, and 4,793 other properties. The move starts Monday, May 26, 2025. It follows revocation of titles in March for unpaid ground rent up to 43 years .
In March 2025, FCTA revoked 4,794 land titles in prime districts of Abuja. Titles lapsed for non-payment of ground rent between one and 43 years. The administration gave defaulting owners a 21-day grace to pay. Many did not .
Director of Land Administration, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, said no court has stayed the revocation. The FCTA may now take full possession of affected lands, starting with sealing and restricted access from May 26 .
Properties include private homes and public buildings in Central Area, Garki I & II, Wuse I & II, Asokoro, Maitama, and Guzape. Notable sites: Wadata Plaza (PDP secretariat), INEC office premises, CBN staff quarters, and NNPC lots .
Officials say sealing is purely administrative. They will decide future use later. The process will follow existing land-law regulations, without bias to owners’ identities .
PDP National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, called the action “harsh” and “politically timed.” He said the party paid all dues on time. He accused the FCT Minister of using enforcement to weaken the party ahead of its NEC meeting .
PDP legal team announced plans to seek an urgent court order. They argue Wadata Plaza lease runs until 2032. They claim revocation violated statutory notice and appeal rights .
Professor Aisha Abubakar, property-law expert at ABU, says FCTA has the power to revoke titles for rent default. But due process requires proper notice and court hearing. She warns forced sealing without final court ruling may breach owners’ rights .
Senior counsel Chidi Nwosu notes that title revocation becomes final if no court appeal within 90 days of revocation notice. He says FCTA should verify court records before sealing .
Critics say sealing PDP secretariat adds political heat to 2025 elections. Many see the timing—on eve of PDP’s NEC meeting—as strategic. Some APC leaders welcome strict enforcement of land laws to show zero tolerance for rent default .
Opposition voices warn such moves deepen distrust in government. They call for transparent processes and dialogue to avoid escalation .
Abuja residents express mixed feelings. Some applaud government’s insistence on revenue due. Others fear mass sealing of homes may displace families. A resident of Garki says, “I worry how many lost rent by mistake or lack of awareness.”
Civil-society group, Abuja Land Watch, urges FCTA to publish full list of revoked properties online. They want owners to confirm revocation status before enforcement .
Economist Dr. Uche Okeke says ground-rent revenue is key for city upkeep. He supports strict collection to boost FCTA budget.
Human-rights lawyer Funke Adekunle fears sweeping sealing without individual hearings. She urges mediation panels to give owners final chance.
Both experts agree on need for clear communication and fair hearings before action.
From Monday, FCTA agencies will block entrances and post “Sealed” notices. Affected owners can apply for re-instatement by clearing arrears plus penalties within 30 days. Failure to comply may lead to auction or public lease .
Wike’s sealing order shows government resolve to collect ground rent. It raises legal, political, and social questions. Balanced enforcement, transparent process, and open dialogue may ease tensions. As sealing begins, all eyes will be on FCTA’s handling of public interest and legal rights.