Abuja – The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Monday sealed the national secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over non-payment of ground rent spanning 28 years — a move that has ignited a political firestorm and accusations of abuse of power from the opposition.
The PDP leadership swiftly condemned the action, labeling it a “brazen attempt to undermine democracy.” The party’s Acting National Chairman, Umar Iliya Damagum, described the sealing as “reckless and unacceptable,” warning that the PDP is prepared to resist further provocations, even if it results in arrests.
“We will not take this lightly. They can come and arrest all of us; we are prepared,” Damagum declared after an emergency caucus meeting held at the Bauchi Governors’ Lodge, where party leaders convened following the shutdown of their national office.
Tinubu Grants Reprieve
Amid rising political tensions, President Bola Tinubu intervened late Monday night, halting the enforcement temporarily and granting a 14-day grace period to all affected property owners, including the PDP, to regularize their documents and settle outstanding ground rent obligations.
According to the Director of Land Administration in the FCT, Mr. Chijioke Nwakwoeze, the enforcement began on May 26, 2025, affecting 4,794 properties in default, with some arrears dating back over four decades.
He noted that defaulters in prime locations such as the Central Business District, Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse, and Garki would be required to pay penalties ranging from N2 million to N5 million in addition to the outstanding rent.
FCTA Defends Action
Defending the enforcement, Nwakwoeze stressed that the PDP secretariat — owned by one Samaila Mamman Kurfi — had defaulted on ground rent for 28 years. He stated, “We keep proper records. The FCTA is now the owner of the property unless the Minister decides otherwise.”
Similarly, Mr. Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication to the FCT Minister, dismissed claims of political witch-hunt, insisting the operation was purely administrative and not targeted at the PDP.
“We’ve sealed over 4,000 properties including banks, hotels, and government institutions. This is not about politics,” Olayinka said.
Internal Crisis Deepens Within PDP
Meanwhile, the sealing of the secretariat has thrown the PDP into deeper internal turmoil. The party has relocated its operations to the Bauchi Governors’ Lodge, where it is grappling with ongoing internal conflicts — including rising tensions involving FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
The emergency caucus meeting was also aimed at addressing unresolved rifts, particularly Wike’s fallout with Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Peter Mbah (Enugu), whom he accused of sabotaging peace efforts.
A PDP support group, Frontiers for Change and Progress, fired back at Wike, accusing him of being the “real betrayer” and a destabilizing force within the party.
“He should stop pretending. His spirit left the PDP long ago after sabotaging us in 2023. He is the architect of the ongoing crisis,” said the group’s coordinator, Emeka Ikpegbu.
NEC Meeting May Be Postponed
Sources within the party revealed that the Board of Trustees (BoT) is considering postponing today’s scheduled National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting to allow more time to resolve internal disputes and stabilize the party.
A committee has been set up to submit its report during the resumed session today.
Notable figures at the emergency meeting included Governors Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), and Seyi Makinde (Oyo).
Also in attendance were Senator Bukola Saraki, Chief Bode George, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, Senator Ben Obi, Jerry Gana, Babangida Aliyu, Josephine Anenih, and others.
The PDP has promised to brief the public on the outcome of today’s deliberations, which could shape the future of Nigeria’s main opposition party as it battles legal, financial, and internal political headwinds.
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