The political atmosphere took a tense turn as the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) sealed the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over a 28-year default in ground rent payments. The PDP has fired back, accusing the Federal Government of power abuse and political intimidation.
In a defiant stance, PDP leaders declared their readiness for arrest, asserting that the government’s actions were an affront to Nigeria’s democratic values. The closure of the secretariat has prompted the party to temporarily move operations to the Bauchi Governors’ Lodge in Abuja, where an emergency caucus meeting was held on Monday evening.
PDP Cries Foul, Cites Democratic Threat
At the meeting, Acting National Chairman Umar Iliya Damagum described the move as a “reckless and unacceptable” act of provocation by the government. Damagum didn’t mince words, challenging the FCTA to arrest the party’s leadership if it intends to continue its harassment campaign.
“We won’t back down. If they wish, they can come and arrest us all. This is a direct attempt to stifle democracy,” Damagum stated. “This administration is displaying gross irresponsibility, and we won’t let it pass unchecked.”
The caucus also discussed the internal challenges facing the party, particularly the growing rift with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who recently exited reconciliation talks and accused Governors Seyi Makinde and Peter Mbah of dishonesty. A small committee was set up to present a report the next morning as the party worked to manage both external and internal turmoil.
Tinubu Grants Reprieve, 14-Day Grace Period
President Bola Tinubu stepped in late Monday to ease tensions, granting a 14-day grace period for PDP and other defaulters to settle their ground rent obligations and sort out title documentation. The FCTA had earlier begun enforcing payment from over 4,700 property owners, including both private and government institutions.
According to FCT Director of Land Administration, Mr. Chijioke Nwankwoeze, penalties vary depending on property location:
- N5 million penalty for properties in the Central Area
- N3 million for Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse II, and Guzape
- N2 million for Wuse I, Garki I, and Garki II
Property owners who bought land but failed to obtain Ministerial Consent or register their deeds also have two weeks to comply or risk revocation.
BoT Considers Delaying NEC Meeting
Meanwhile, PDP’s Board of Trustees (BoT) is mulling a postponement of its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, originally scheduled for Tuesday. Insiders suggest the delay would allow more time to address festering internal issues and unify party ranks.
A source said a new venue is also being considered, though no details were provided at press time. Today’s continuation of deliberations is expected to determine the party’s next course of action and whether it can reclaim its footing as a viable opposition.
PDP Support Group Calls Out Wike
In a sharp rebuke, the PDP Frontiers for Change and Progress—a party-affiliated support group—called on Wike to formally leave the PDP, accusing him of double-dealing and undermining party cohesion. The group described him as an “APC mole” who has only caused chaos since the 2023 general elections.
“Wike is not the victim here. He’s the very reason for the party’s ongoing instability,” said the group’s coordinator, Emeka Ikpegbu. “His continued presence is toxic, and it’s time he makes a clean break from the PDP.”
Silence from Makinde, Mbah
While Wike has continued to voice his discontent publicly, Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Peter Mbah (Enugu) have maintained silence. Their aides refused to comment when approached by the press.
FCTA and Wike’s Camp Deny Political Motive
FCT officials insisted the enforcement was strictly administrative. Nwankwoeze emphasized that the PDP’s headquarters is officially owned by Samaila Mamman Kurfi, not the party itself. “There are no errors in our records. The owner has failed to pay rent for 28 years. If they want reconsideration, they can appeal to the Minister,” he stated.
Lere Olayinka, spokesperson for FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, also dismissed allegations of political persecution. “We’ve sealed properties belonging to Access Bank, FIRS, Total Petrol, and more. This isn’t targeted,” he said. “This is about law and order.”
