The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the Federal Government of abusing its powers following the controversial closure of its national secretariat in Abuja by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) over 28 years of unpaid ground rent.
In a strongly-worded statement after an emergency caucus meeting at the Bauchi Governors’ Lodge, Abuja, PDP’s acting National Chairman, Umar Iliya Damagum, described the action as a “reckless provocation” and a direct attack on democracy. He warned that the party would not tolerate further harassment and dared the authorities to arrest PDP leaders if they so desired.
“We are prepared for them. This is a clear attempt to undermine democracy, and we won’t take it lightly,” Damagum declared.
The emergency meeting, which was relocated after the PDP headquarters was sealed, also addressed deepening internal disputes, particularly the rift with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. Wike had recently withdrawn from reconciliation talks, accusing Governors Seyi Makinde and Peter Mbah of betrayal, sparking fresh tensions within the party.
A party insider revealed that the Board of Trustees (BoT) is considering postponing the upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting to allow time for further peace efforts. The crisis, sources say, threatens the unity and future of the PDP.
Meanwhile, a PDP support group, Frontiers for Change and Progress, openly criticized Wike, labelling him the “real betrayer” behind the party’s woes. They accused him of secretly working with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) since 2023 and urged him to leave the PDP.
Amid the political storm, President Bola Tinubu intervened, ordering a temporary suspension of the property seizure operation and granting a 14-day grace period for defaulters to settle their debts. The FCTA’s Director of Land Administration, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, confirmed the presidential directive, revealing that over 4,700 properties—some unpaid for up to 43 years—are on the list for possible takeover, with total arrears amounting to N6.96 billion. Penalties range from N2 million to N5 million, depending on property location.
Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, dismissed allegations of political witch-hunting, insisting the enforcement was a routine administrative action affecting various properties, including banks, hotels, and even the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
As the PDP strategizes its next steps, political observers are watching closely to see if the party can resolve its internal divisions and reassert itself as a credible opposition force in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
