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 move is part of efforts to tighten security across the nation’s capital amid growing 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, Nyesom Wike, Mr. Lere Olayinka, the FCTA warned owners of event centres, hotels, and public buildings to scrutinise groups seeking to use their facilities or risk severe sanctions.
According to the statement, lands allocated within the Federal Capital Territory are meant strictly for lawful purposes, warning that any property used by organisations deemed illegal could lose 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 the facilities would now come under closer monitoring 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 said 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 target the increasing wave of political realignments and factional disputes within political parties ahead of the next election cycle.
The administration warned hotel and event centre owners to ensure they only transact with the leadership 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 further warned that failure to comply with the directive would attract sanctions, including the revocation of land titles attached to the affected properties.
The warning comes amid heightened political tensions in Abuja and across Nigeria, with several political parties currently battling internal leadership crises, splinter groups and rival factions ahead of preparations for the 2027 elections.
However, the FCTA statement did not clearly define what would constitute an “illegal organisation,” raising concerns over possible arbitrary interpretation and enforcement.