Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and New Media to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has revealed that Wadata Plaza, the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), does not actually belong to the party.
Speaking on Arise Television’s The Morning Show on Tuesday, Olayinka stated that most PDP members are unaware that the property belongs to former Senate Leader, Senator Samaila Mamman.
His comments follow the recent revocation of Wadata Plaza’s land title by Wike’s administration due to non-payment of ground rent. The title of PDP’s unfinished national secretariat in Abuja’s Central Business District was also revoked.
The History Behind the Property
According to Olayinka, PDP leaders attempted to purchase Wadata Plaza in 2005 and sought approval from the then Minister of the FCT, Nasir El-Rufai. However, they failed to meet the payment conditions.
“The PDP was asked to pay N26.9 million as a fee in 2005, but the party’s leadership at the time, led by Vincent Ogbulafor, argued that the amount was too high,” Olayinka explained. “El-Rufai, a PDP member then, insisted that the right procedures be followed—just as Wike is doing now.”
Political Reactions
PDP leaders have strongly condemned the revocation of their property titles, accusing President Bola Tinubu’s administration of attempting to suppress opposition.
However, Olayinka defended the decision, stressing that since PDP never completed the payment, the property remains owned by Senator Samaila Mamman.
With the revocation now finalized, Wadata Plaza is no longer under PDP’s control, further deepening political tensions in the country.
