Politics
Nigeria Is Not His Estate: Wike’s 2,000‑Hectare Scandal Must Shake Us Awake
Nigeria Is Not His Estate: Wike’s 2,000‑Hectare Scandal Must Shake Us Awake.
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com
When leadership is reduced to entitlement and public office becomes an inheritance plan, a democracy begins to rot at its core. That is the ugly reality Nigeria faces today, following damning revelations that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, allegedly allocated more than 2,000 hectares of prime Abuja land (valued at over $3.6 billion) to a company tied to his son, Joaquin Wike.
This isn’t just scandalous. It is treasonous against the Nigerian people.
According to detailed investigations by Peoples Gazette and corroborated by Sahara Reporters, Wike personally signed off on multiple land allocations spanning high-profile areas like Maitama, Asokoro, Guzape and Gaduwa. These allocations, according to sources inside the FCTA, totalled 2,082 Hectares, translating to approximately 40,000 plots of land. The documents reveal that these lands were awarded under the pretence of agricultural purposes to a company newly registered and linked to Wike’s son; Joaq Farms and Estates Ltd.
Even more shocking, some of the plots were allegedly seized from embassies, private families and federal infrastructure reserves. Among the affected: the Austrian Embassy, which had been allocated a site for diplomatic development and families with long-standing land rights in Guzape and Katampe.
Let us call this what it is: FEUDALISM wearing the mask of governance.
Nigeria Has Been Turned Into a Private Empire.
Wike, a man who once styled himself as a defender of the people during his tenure as governor of Rivers State, now appears to have embraced the very impunity he used to denounce. As FCT Minister, his constitutional duty is to serve the interests of over 200 million Nigerians, not build an imperial inheritance for his children in the heart of the nation.
One FCTA insider quoted by Sahara put it plainly:
“When we told the minister in April that he needed to slow down on frequent allocations to his own children, he said he was just starting, because his goal was to make them the largest landowners in Abuja.”
That statement should send shivers down the spine of any patriot. It’s no longer about infrastructure, development or public service. It is about power. It is about legacy. It is about the theft of a future that belongs to all Nigerians.
Where Is the President?
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has remained disturbingly silent on the matter. This is a man who preached “RENEWED HOPE” during his campaign, hope for a new Nigeria, built on transparency, reform and service. Yet, when a senior member of his cabinet is credibly accused of converting national assets into personal estates not a single word of condemnation or inquiry has come from Aso Rock.
Is Tinubu afraid of Wike’s political clout? Or is this silence an admission that corruption is the glue holding his coalition together?
Even if the President chooses silence, we will not. Nigerian democracy will not survive if citizens are expected to endure hardship while elites feed off the nation’s flesh. Civil servants in the FCT are owed salaries. Teachers and healthcare workers can not even pay rent. Yet Wike and his son allegedly control enough land in Abuja to build five new cities.
Denials and Diversions
As expected, Wike’s media team rushed to deny the allegations. His spokesperson, Lere Olayinka, called the reports “mischievous lies,” claiming that the allocations were for agricultural purposes in Bwari, not high-value plots in Maitama or Guzape.
But facts don’t lie.
Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) records show that Joaq Farms was registered mere months before the land deals. Mapping documents, certificates of occupancy and payment files reviewed by multiple sources show names, dates and locations that align with the scandal.
So unless Nigeria is being governed in a hall of illusions, Wike owes this nation a full, honest explanation and not dismissive PR gymnastics.
This Is Bigger Than Land.
Let’s be clear: this is not just about hectares of land. This is about systemic theft, elite capture and the rapid erosion of accountability in Nigeria’s governance.
When public land, designated for diplomatic missions, schools, hospitals and civil infrastructure, is converted into private estates for the children of those in power, we are not practicing democracy; we are living under tyranny.
Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju captured it perfectly:
“Wike is not the owner of Nigeria. He must stop grabbing people’s land and giving them to cronies. This is public property, not family inheritance.”
What Must Be Done
An Independent Panel Must Be Set Up Immediately.
The National Assembly, if it still has a soul, must summon the courage to open a full inquiry into these allocations. The documents are there. The facts are traceable. This cannot be swept under the rug.
EFCC and ICPC Must Intervene.
If Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies still function, then now is the time to act. Joaq Farms’ records, transactions and land-use certificates must be scrutinized. If any rule has been broken (and clearly, several have) they must be prosecuted with full force.
Abuja Masterplan Must Be Respected.
The original master plan of the Federal Capital Territory was designed to prevent chaos, elite monopolization and feudalism. All allocations that violate this plan must be revoked. A national city cannot be sacrificed for the ambitions of one man.
The People Must Speak Up.We cannot afford silence. From civil society to student unions, religious leaders to market women, this scandal must dominate our national conscience. APATHY is COMPLICITY.
History Will Remember This.
This is how nations fail, not because they lack natural resources or intelligent people, but because their leaders are allowed to behave like monarchs in a democracy.
If these land grabs are allowed to stand, Abuja will become a blueprint for elite domination. What stops other ministers from allocating oil wells to their wives or ports to their cousins and or even military barracks to their sons?
We have seen this story before. It ends in disaster.
Nigeria Is Not Your Family Business.
The tragedy of Nigeria today is that men who should be custodians have become looters. Our democracy is hanging by a thread and scandals like this one are daggers slashing at its heart.
To Nyesom Wike, if these allegations are true, you must resign and face trial. You were not elected Minister to build dynasties. You were appointed to serve. And to President Tinubu, your silence is not NEUTRAL; it is BETRAYAL.
The land belongs to the people. The power belongs to the people. And history, whether written in the courts or on the streets, will remember who stood up and who sold out.
George Omagbemi Sylvester is a Nigerian political analyst, writer and public affairs commentator based in South Africa. He writes for SaharaWeeklyNG.com and other regional publications.
Politics
DANFULANI, A PARTY STALWART, MAKES CASE FOR APC PUBLICITY SECRETARY ROLE, PROMISES DIGITAL REVOLUTION, URGES DELEGATES SUPPORT
DANFULANI, A PARTY STALWART, MAKES CASE FOR APC PUBLICITY SECRETARY ROLE, PROMISES DIGITAL REVOLUTION, URGES DELEGATES SUPPORT
In a move set to reshape the communication dynamics of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State, a prominent party stalwart has formally declared his intention to contest the position of State Publicity Secretary.
The aspirant, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani, brings a deep history of party service to his candidacy. Born in Mando, Afaka ward, Igabi Local Government of Kaduna State, Danfulani was SA Northern media strategies to the APC Publicity Secretary Mr Lai Mohammed, he is also the founder of the APC at Your Door Campaigns Forum. He previously served as the North-west Secretary for the GMB support group, which campaigned extensively for the late President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015. Danfulani was also a founding member of the Tinubu Support Organization and is the Convener of the General Christopher Gwabin Musa Support Initiative. His practical electoral experience includes serving as the Returning Officer for the APC in Afaka ward, Igabi Local Government, during the 2023 Presidential and Gubernatorial elections.
Now holding the traditional title of Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi/Betara Biu, Danfulani has called upon party leaders, delegates, and critical stakeholders to rally behind his candidacy in the upcoming state congress scheduled for March 3, 2026.
This appeal was contained in a personally signed statement released to the press on Tuesday, wherein Danfulani outlined his vision for a more robust, strategic, and modern party publicity machinery.
Citing his formidable and unparalleled experience spanning over a decade at the intersection of journalism and practical politics, Danfulani positioned himself as the ideal candidate to articulate and defend the party’s programmes, policies, and achievements. He argued that this unique blend of skills is precisely what the APC needs to enhance its narrative, engage a broader electorate, and consolidate its gains in the state.
“My extensive background in media practice and deep-rooted involvement in political mobilisation have equipped me with the requisite insight to drive an effective communication strategy for our great party,” the statement read in part. “I understand both the power of the pen and the pulse of the people.”
In a pledge that signals a forward-looking approach, the aspirant promised to revolutionise the party’s media engagement by introducing several innovative digital media strategies if elected. This proposed digital overhaul aims to leverage social media platforms, data analytics, and targeted content creation to connect with younger demographics, counter misinformation swiftly, and project the APC’s activities with greater clarity and impact.
Political observers note that Danfulani’s entry into the race brings a significant weight of credibility and strategic acumen, bolstered by his extensive grassroots and national campaign experience. His background underscores deep community ties and respect within traditional circles, a factor considered invaluable for trust-building.
The statement concluded with a confident appeal: “I humbly seek your mandate. With your support, I am committed to serving as a dynamic, proactive, and articulate voice for the APC in Kaduna State, ensuring our story is told accurately, persuasively, and consistently across all media frontiers.”
As the congress date approaches, Danfulani’s candidacy—built on a proven track record of party service and a promise of digital innovation—is poised to be a major point of discussion among party faithful seeking a communicative edge for the elections ahead.
Renewed Hope Ambassadors Inspect RHA Secretariat
Renewed Hope Ambassadors, led by its Director-General and the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, alongside Zonal Coordinators (NW, NC, SE), the Media & Publicity Directorate, and other key stakeholders, inspected the RHA Secretariat two days after President Bola Tinubu unveiled the Renewed Hope Ambassadors grassroots engagement drive in Abuja.
Politics
2027 Elections: PDP Certain to Appear on Ballot, Says Ajadi as Oyo Governorship Race Gains Momentum
2027 Elections: PDP Certain to Appear on Ballot, Says Ajadi as Oyo Governorship Race Gains Momentum
Ibadan, Oyo State — The leading governorship aspirant in Oyo State under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has reiterated his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election, affirming his commitment to consolidate on the achievements of Governor Seyi Makinde.
Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo is being interviewed by the journalists
Ajadi restated his ambition on Wednesday during the PDP Egbeda Local Government general party meeting held at the party secretariat, where party leaders, grassroots mobilisers and supporters gathered to deliberate on party unity and preparations ahead of future elections.
Speaking with journalists shortly before the commencement of the meeting, Ajadi described himself as a committed grassroots politician and a bona fide member of the PDP from Osengere Ward 8 in Egbeda Local Government Area.
“I have come here today to participate in the Egbeda Local Government PDP general meeting as a loyal member of our great party,” he said. “I am also here to reassure my people of my intention to contest for the governorship position in Oyo State in 2027 so as to continue the good legacy established by Governor Seyi Makinde.”
Confidence in PDP’s Electoral Participation
Reacting to concerns surrounding internal challenges within the PDP at the national level, Ajadi expressed strong confidence that the party would remain a major contender in the 2027 general elections.
I do not want to say anything negative because I believe the fathers and mothers of democracy in Nigeria will not allow anything that undermines democratic principles,” he stated.
According to him, the PDP remains a foundational pillar of Nigeria’s democratic journey.
“The PDP is central to the democracy we practise today. I am very sure that PDP will be on the ballot in 2027. Nigerians asked for democracy, not a return to military rule. Therefore, a one-party system is not an option for our country,” Ajadi added.
He also emphasised the need to safeguard democratic institutions, particularly the judiciary, stressing that Nigeria’s democracy must continue to operate within the principles of fairness, justice and the rule of law.
“By the grace of God, Nigerians will decide their future through democratic means, and I am confident that PDP will reclaim leadership in 2027,” he said.
Call for Unity, Prayers and National Renewal
The governorship aspirant used the occasion to call for national unity, urging Nigerians across religious and ethnic divides to embrace peace and collective responsibility, especially during the spiritual seasons of Ramadan and Lent.
“The prayers we are offering during Ramadan and Lent should be for peace, unity and positive change in our nation,” Ajadi said. “Muslims, Christians and all Nigerians must remain steadfast in faith and love for one another. Together, we can change the narrative of our country come 2027.”
Party Leaders Rally Support
The meeting attracted prominent PDP stakeholders and political leaders from across Egbeda Local Government Area, reflecting growing grassroots mobilisation ahead of the electoral cycle.
Among dignitaries present were Deputy Leader of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Sunkanmi Babalola; Chairman of Egbeda Local Government Council, Hon. Oyedele Sanda; Egbeda PDP Chairman, Chairman Ebenezer Olawale Alawe; and Vice Chairman of Egbeda Local Government Council, Hon. Ibrahim Oladebo, popularly known as Simple.
Other party stalwarts in attendance included Leader Busari Olayemi, Elder Caleb Oyelese, Leader Liadi Busari, Mrs. Jumoke Lawal, widely known as Iya Pineapple, and Hon. Lukmon Akinpelu, alongside several ward executives and grassroots mobilisers.
Party leaders at the meeting emphasised unity within the PDP structure, noting that sustained grassroots participation remains critical to maintaining the party’s strength in Oyo State politics.
Strengthening Grassroots Politics
Political observers at the gathering noted that Ajadi’s continued engagement with party members at the local government level underscores a strategic grassroots approach aimed at strengthening party structures ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.
As preparations for the 2027 elections gradually gather momentum, Ajadi’s consistent reaffirmation of his ambition signals increasing political activities in the state, setting the stage for what promises to be a competitive governorship contest.
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