Wike Warns Abuja Hotels, Event Centres To Only Host INEC-Recognised Parties
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has threatened to revoke the land titles of hotels, event centres and other public facilities in Abuja found hosting gatherings linked to what it described as “illegal organisations.”
The administration said the directive forms part of measures to strengthen security across the nation’s capital amid heightened political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister, Mr. Lere Olayinka, the FCTA warned owners of hotels, event centres and public buildings to properly scrutinise groups seeking to use their facilities or face sanctions.
According to the statement, lands allocated within the Federal Capital Territory are strictly meant for lawful purposes, adding that any property used by organisations considered illegal risks losing its title documents.
“Going forward, title documents of any event centre, hotel or public building that is used for the gathering of illegal organisations will be revoked,” the statement said.
The administration added that event centres, hotels and other public buildings would now be placed under closer surveillance as part of broader security measures aimed at preventing activities capable of destabilising Abuja.
“In view of the need to further ensure the security of lives and properties in the FCT and sustain the efforts of security agencies in this regard, usage of Event Centres, Hotels and other public buildings will now be closely monitored,” the statement noted.
The FCTA explained that the monitoring was specifically targeted at stopping “illegal organisations” from using public facilities for meetings and gatherings “capable of disrupting the peace of the nation’s capital.”
The directive also appeared to address the increasing wave of political realignments, factional disputes and leadership tussles within political parties ahead of preparations for the 2027 elections.
The administration further warned owners of hotels and event centres to ensure that they only transact with leaderships of political parties recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“For instance, in this political season, owners of Event Centres and Hotels in particular must ensure that they only deal with INEC recognised leadership of political parties in respect of the use of their facilities, and proper records of transactions must be kept,” the statement added.
It warned that failure to comply with the directive could attract sanctions, including the revocation of land titles attached to affected properties.
The warning comes amid rising political tension in Abuja and across the country, with several political parties currently battling internal crises, splinter groups and rival factions ahead of the 2027 elections.
However, the statement did not clearly define what would qualify as an “illegal organisation,” raising concerns over possible arbitrary interpretation and enforcement of the directive.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
