2027: Wike Prohibits Unsanctioned Party Groups from Using Event Venues and Hotels in Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory Administration has issued a directive to owners of event centres and hotels in Abuja, instructing them to deny access to any political party faction that is not recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission, with the warning that non-compliance will result in the revocation of title documents for their properties.

n

This directive was issued on Friday by Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, amidst escalating factional disputes within major political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

n

According to Olayinka, owners of event centres and hotels must only allow the use of their facilities to political parties recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission, and they must also maintain proper records of all transactions.

n

The instruction gives venue owners, and by extension the FCTA, the power to determine which political groups can lawfully assemble in the nation's capital, a move that is likely to be seen by critics as an attempt to influence the outcome of ongoing party leadership disputes.

n

The FCTA, under Wike's administration, has framed the move as a security measure, stating that facilities will be monitored to prevent gatherings that could disrupt the peace in the nation's capital.

n

Olayinka cautioned that failure to comply with the directive would lead to the revocation of title documents for non-compliant properties, emphasizing the need for venue owners to adhere to the new rules.

n

The directive comes at a sensitive time, with parties such as the Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party embroiled in leadership and court battles, where recognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission has become a crucial factor in determining legitimate control.