Political activist Timi Frank has raised concerns about the real targets behind the recent land revocations in Abuja by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
In a statement made in Abuja on December 22, 2024, Frank accused Wike of using the revocation of Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) as a political tool against members of opposition parties.
The activist claims that Wike’s actions are not just about land grabbing but a broader strategy to intimidate potential rivals for the 2027 presidential election.
“We have intelligence that the list of land allottees whose C of O have been revoked by Wike is part of a grand strategy to harass and intimidate members of opposition parties,” Frank said. “These are people who may want to contest against President Bola Tinubu in 2027.”
The minister’s revocation targets high-profile individuals, including former President Muhammadu Buhari, Senate Minority Leader Senator George Akume, and Speaker of the House of Representatives.
However, Frank argues that the list is misleading, as some of the figures mentioned have denied owning the land in question.
“Buhari has denied owning the land attached to his name that was purportedly revoked by Wike,” Frank pointed out. “Abbas has also stated he is not indebted to the FCTA.”
Frank insists that Wike would not dare target key officials in President Tinubu’s administration, suggesting that the inclusion of these names is a tactic to shift the focus from his own land seizures.
“Wike is using their names as a cover to deflect criticism of his land grabbing spree and his demolitions in the FCT, which have mainly affected the poor and innocent Nigerians,” he said.
Further complicating the issue, Frank highlighted allegations made by Chief Rita Lori-Ogbebor, the widow of late military officer Ikponmwosa Paul-Ogbebor.
Lori-Ogbebor accused Wike of granting land approvals to Saravera Nigeria Limited, a company allegedly linked to House of Representatives Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, a known ally of the minister.
This, Frank suggests, points to a wider network of land deals and political connections that are part of Wike’s broader agenda.
In his statement, Frank challenged Wike to provide evidence that the top All Progressives Congress (APC) members named in his land revocation list actually own the properties in question.
“Wike needs to prove that the APC members he listed are truly landowners,” Frank demanded.
Frank also warned opposition political figures who plan to contest the 2027 elections to prepare for a series of land revocations, which he described as part of Wike’s vendetta against anyone who opposes his political interests.
“What Wike is doing in Abuja is no different from what he did when he was Governor of Rivers State,” Frank said. “He revoked land titles of his political opponents and demolished their properties. It is the same political persecution all over again.”
Frank believes that Wike’s next move will be to target opposition figures who are seen as enemies of either himself or President Tinubu.
“The next wave of land seizures will target anyone who opposes Tinubu or Wike, especially those who backed Governor Fubara against him in Rivers State,” Frank predicted.
This ongoing issue highlights the power struggle between Wike and Governor Fubara, which has become a major source of political tension.
Frank’s accusations paint a picture of a minister using his position to settle scores and push back against political adversaries, with land revocations serving as a form of punishment.
As Wike wields his powers as the FCT minister, Frank also raised alarm over the minister’s potential political influence over President Tinubu, warning of a possible betrayal similar to Wike’s past actions with former President Goodluck Jonathan.
“This is the same way Wike sycophantically supported former President Jonathan to gain favour, only to later betray him,” Frank said. “If President Tinubu is not careful, Wike could turn on him as well. Betrayal seems to be in his nature.”
Frank’s accusations highlight the growing concerns about Wike’s unchecked powers, with the activist asserting that the minister is abusing his position to settle personal political scores.
“Wike is using his role as FCT minister to hunt down political enemies, especially those he believes worked against him in the 2023 elections,” Frank added.
The ongoing political drama in Rivers State, where Wike recently lost political control to Governor Fubara, appears to have emboldened the minister’s actions in Abuja. Frank believes that this personal defeat is driving Wike’s vengeful behaviour.
“Wike is bitter after losing control of Rivers State to Governor Fubara,” Frank explained. “That loss has now translated into his aggressive actions against perceived political enemies.”
The land revocations, which are said to target opposition members, are adding fuel to the fire of what already seems like a power struggle that stretches beyond just land ownership.
Frank called on Nigerians to be aware of the political implications of Wike’s actions and the wider consequences these revocations could have on the country’s democratic processes.
“Wike’s vendetta is not just about land; it’s about silencing opposition voices and preparing the ground for 2027,” Frank concluded. “The minister is determined to control who gets to challenge President Tinubu.”
