The administration of the Federal Capital Territory has directed owners of event centres and hotels in Abuja to deny access to political party factions not recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), warning that properties that violate the order risk losing their title documents.
Key Highlights:
The directive was issued on Friday through a statement by Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
According to the statement, operators of event centres and hotels must only transact with leadership officially recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission when providing facilities for political activities.
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“Owners of Event Centres and Hotels in particular must ensure that they only deal with Independent National Electoral Commission INEC recognized leadership of political parties in respect of the use of their facilities, and proper records of transactions must be kept,” Olayinka stated.
The FCTA further warned that failure to comply with the directive would attract severe sanctions, including the revocation of land titles belonging to affected facilities.
The development comes amid growing internal crises within several political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, with factions battling for legitimacy and control through parallel conventions and court cases.
The order is expected to have major implications for opposition parties such as the Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party, both of which are currently dealing with leadership disputes and competing factions seeking recognition from INEC.
The FCTA described the move as part of efforts to maintain security and prevent gatherings capable of threatening peace and stability in the nation’s capital.
According to the administration, authorities will closely monitor political meetings and activities taking place in hotels and event centres across Abuja.
Critics, however, are likely to interpret the directive as an attempt to influence political activities by restricting access to public gathering spaces for factions challenging established party leaderships.
The policy places venue owners in a sensitive position, as compliance with the directive could require them to determine which political groups possess legitimate recognition from the electoral commission before hosting any event.
