2027: Wike Bars ‘Unrecognized Party Factions’ From Abuja Event Centres, Hotels

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has directed owners of hotels and event centres in Abuja to deny access to political party factions not officially recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission, warning that properties violating the order risk losing their title documents.

The directive was issued on Friday through Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

According to the statement, venue operators must only transact with party leaderships recognised by INEC and maintain proper records of all political engagements hosted at their facilities.

“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,” Olayinka stated.

The FCTA said the directive was part of broader efforts to maintain security and prevent gatherings capable of threatening peace and public order in the nation’s capital.

“Failure to comply with this directive will result in revocation of the title documents of such properties,” the statement warned.

The move comes amid growing leadership disputes and factional crises within several political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Parties including the Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party are currently battling internal divisions and competing leadership claims, with INEC recognition increasingly becoming central to determining legitimacy.

Critics are expected to interpret the directive as a controversial intervention that could influence political alignments and restrict rival factions from holding meetings and events within Abuja.