The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has denied allegations that he allocated 2,000 hectares of land in Abuja to his son.
The denial came after widespread reports and social media claims suggested that the minister had granted the large parcel of land to his child, prompting public criticism and accusations of nepotism and abuse of office.
Addressing the claims during a press briefing in Abuja, Wike stated categorically that neither he nor his son had received or requested such an allocation.
He described the reports as false, malicious, and politically motivated. According to the minister, the allegations were deliberately spread by individuals seeking to tarnish his image and undermine his leadership of the FCT.
Wike said he has never engaged in any corrupt land dealings since taking office and challenged those making the allegations to present any evidence of wrongdoing. He emphasized that all land allocations in the FCT follow due process and are subject to verification and approval by relevant authorities. The minister stressed that he has maintained transparency in the management of land and property issues in the capital territory.
The minister also said that the renewed land reforms and development policies introduced under his leadership were aimed at correcting irregularities and enforcing the master plan of the FCT. He claimed that these policies have unsettled some interest groups and individuals who were previously benefiting from corrupt practices, and who are now retaliating with false accusations.
In his words, Wike declared, “I challenge anyone to bring proof that I gave my son 2,000 hectares of land. It is not true. This is the work of mischief-makers who are angry about the changes we are making in the FCT.”
The FCT Minister further warned that legal action would be taken against those spreading what he called defamatory content. He said his administration remains committed to accountability, and he will not be distracted by baseless accusations.
Wike, the former Governor of Rivers State, was appointed FCT Minister by President Bola Tinubu in August 2023. Since assuming office, he has launched various projects across Abuja and implemented policies targeting illegal land use and unapproved developments. His tenure has attracted both praise and criticism, particularly due to his confrontational style and strict enforcement of regulations.
This latest allegation adds to the list of controversies that have trailed his time as FCT Minister. However, Wike has consistently maintained that his actions are in the best interest of Abuja’s development and in line with President Tinubu’s directive to restore order and discipline in the territory.
Meanwhile, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has not issued any official documentation or confirmation suggesting that such a land allocation to Wike’s son exists. Efforts by reporters to verify the claim through the FCT Land Registry have so far yielded no supporting evidence.
Political analysts say the incident is part of a broader pattern in Nigerian politics, where unverified reports are often used to attack public officials, especially those implementing unpopular but necessary reforms. They advise that all such claims be investigated thoroughly before conclusions are drawn.
Wike’s denial comes as public attention increasingly focuses on land administration and resource allocation in Abuja. The FCT has seen a surge in land-related disputes, and the minister has vowed to clean up what he described as a corrupt and chaotic system. He said the ongoing reforms will continue despite resistance from vested interests.
As of now, no group or individual has come forward with proof to substantiate the allegation against Wike. The minister has urged Nigerians to disregard the reports and focus on the work being done to improve infrastructure, security, and service delivery in the capital city.
