The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has issued a stern warning to hoteliers and event center owners in Abuja, directing them to conduct business exclusively with political parties officially recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). This directive aims to prevent unauthorized organizations from using these venues for political activities.
In a statement released Friday by Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister, the administration emphasized that all event spaces and hotels must verify the legitimacy of any group seeking to rent their facilities. Failure to comply would result in severe penalties, including the possible revocation of land titles for the properties involved.
The FCTA stressed that land parcels within the Federal Capital Territory are allocated solely for lawful purposes. Allowing illegal political groups to gather on these premises could threaten the peace and security of the capital city. Consequently, the use of event centers, hotels, and other public buildings will be closely monitored to ensure they are not exploited by unauthorized organizations.
Property owners are now required to keep accurate records of all transactions and confirm that any group renting their space is a legally recognized political entity. The statement warned that noncompliance would attract sanctions, with the ultimate penalty being the cancellation of title documents for the affected properties.