The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the federal government of a blatant abuse of power following the sealing of its national secretariat by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) over 28 years of unpaid ground rent.
The party’s leaders denounced the move as politically motivated and a threat to democracy, stating their readiness to face arrest if harassment continues. However, they and other affected property holders received a temporary reprieve late Monday night after President Bola Tinubu intervened, granting a 14-day grace period to enable them to regularize their documentation.
“It’s an Attempt to Undermine Democracy” — PDP
The condemnation came after an emergency PDP caucus meeting held Monday evening at the Bauchi Governor’s Lodge in Abuja. Acting National Chairman, Umar Iliya Damagum, described the sealing of the party headquarters as “a reckless attempt to undermine democracy” and warned that the party is prepared for further provocations, including possible arrests.
“We will not take this lightly. They could come and arrest all of us; we are prepared. This is a clear attempt to undermine democracy, and we will hold them accountable,” Damagum said.
“If they are encouraging such actions, we do not take it lightly. They are attempting to undermine democracy, and this is completely unacceptable. This is a clear example of the irresponsibility exhibited by this government. We condemn this act in the strongest terms. It is a reckless display of irresponsibility, and we will not tolerate it.”
At the ongoing Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting, Damagum added, “We have just adjourned the meeting till tomorrow (today) at 10 o’clock. A small committee has been established to present a report tomorrow morning, and we will resume discussions from there.”
The FCTA’s action has forced the PDP to move its operations to the Bauchi Governor’s Lodge, heightening the seriousness of the situation. A party leader, speaking in confidence, said, “They’re also dealing with the fact that the party’s headquarters has been shut down by the FCTA over unpaid rent, which is why they’re meeting at the lodge instead.”
BoT Meets Amid Internal Crisis
In addition to the secretariat shutdown, the caucus meeting was called to address growing internal divisions, including a rift involving the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
A source disclosed: “The BoT is trying to sort out the issues with Wike. He pulled out of the peace talks and accused leaders like Seyi Makinde of not being truthful.”
Notable party figures present included acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, Governors Peter Mbah (Enugu), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), and Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), who also serves as Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum.
Others in attendance were former Osun Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola; former Kaduna Governor and BoT Secretary Senator Ahmed Makarfi; Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro; former Senate President Bukola Saraki; former Deputy National Chairman Chief Bode George; BoT member Senator Ben Obi; former Minister of Information Jerry Gana; former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu; PDP Ministers’ Forum Chairman Kabiru Tanimu Turaki; and former Minister of Women Affairs Josephine Anenih.
NEC Meeting May Be Delayed
The Board of Trustees is also considering postponing the scheduled National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, initially planned for today, to allow more time to resolve conflicts and stabilize the party.
“They might push the NEC meeting back to give more time to settle these conflicts,” a source revealed.
Another BoT member indicated that an alternative venue may be provided but did not offer further details.
The outcome of today’s meeting is expected to determine the party’s path forward in restoring unity and political relevance.
PDP Group to Wike: “You’re the Real Betrayer”
Meanwhile, a support group, PDP Frontiers for Change and Progress, lashed out at the FCT Minister, accusing him of being the actual cause of the crisis within the party.
Reacting to Wike’s accusation that Governors Makinde and Mbah were the “architects of betrayal”, the group fired back, claiming Wike had long betrayed the party.
In a statement by its National Coordinator, Mr. Emeka Ikpegbu, the group said, “Wike and his bootlickers dragging the leadership of the PDP in some of the states are the destabilising forces on a mission to sink the party.
“Instead of masquerading as a peacemaker while he is the one igniting the fire, Wike should better leave PDP.
“Wike should stop pretending. We know his spirit has since left PDP after sabotaging the party in 2023. Now is the time to completely pull out of the party and not just pull out of the so-called gentleman’s agreement. We want him to also pull out of the PDP. He has given us enough discomfort.
“We know Wike and his antics. Can he swear that he is not on a mission to destroy PDP? What anti-party is worse than a so-called PDP stakeholder openly working for the ruling APC against his party? Who is causing the crisis in Rivers State? Is it to his credit as a good party man that less than two years after he left office as governor of Rivers State, the PDP made him collapse in the state, and the state was enmeshed in chaos?
“Wike’s latest antics are to blackmail committed PDP members who are not willing to surrender the soul of the party to him and his APC allies.”
The group called on Governors Makinde, Mbah, and other loyal PDP members to ignore Wike and remain focused on rebuilding the party.
Makinde, Mbah Decline Comment
Efforts to get reactions from Governors Makinde and Mbah were unsuccessful. Makinde’s media aide, Mr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, simply stated, “No comments.”
Governor Mbah’s Special Assistant on Mainstream Media, Mr. Dan Nwomeh, added: “You don’t expect Governor Mbah to react to what he said. We don’t have any reaction, please.”
FCTA Explains Reasons Behind Secretariat Closure
Defending the move, FCT Director of Land Administration, Mr. Chijioke Nwankwoeze, clarified that the PDP’s landlord owed ground rent for 28 years.
“We keep good records. In this case, we are talking of 28 years. The owner of this property, Samaila Mamman Kurfi, owed 28 years of ground rent. And then FIRS is 25 years old. So we keep proper records. When you pay your ground rent, you will have to be issued with a receipt of payment,” he said.
Asked whether the defaulters could reclaim ownership, he added: “Well, it will be up to them to approach the Minister of FCTA. The FCTA is the owner of the property as of today. If they approach him, and he gives them any consideration, that’s it. The minister will decide that. Not me. I’m not the minister of FCTA.”
“Not Political Witch Hunt” — Wike’s Aide
Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media to the FCT Minister, dismissed suggestions that the secretariat sealing was politically motivated.
“We are not here for politics. If you are talking about a political witch hunt, we have been to Ibro Hotels, we have been to Access Bank, we have been to FIRS, we have been to Total Petrol Station, and tomorrow, we will go to other places.
“This exercise will continue as long as we can conclude taking possession of those over 4,000 properties. So, are we also going to say all those that I mentioned are for politics? Moreover, this place is not owned by the PDP,” he said.
Tinubu Intervenes: 14-Day Grace Period Announced
At a press briefing Monday night, FCT Land Director Nwankwoeze confirmed President Tinubu’s intervention:
“On May 26, 2025, we commenced enforcement on the 4,794 properties revoked for non-payment of ground rent, from 10 to 43 years. Properties owned by government institutions, corporate organisations and individuals were affected. This demonstrates the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s commitment to carrying out its functions without fear or favour.
“However, President Bola Tinubu has intervened. Therefore, by Mr. President’s intervention, holders of the affected properties now have 14 days (two weeks) to settle the outstanding ground rents, with associated penalties.
“For properties in the Central Area, the sum of N5 million will be paid by the defaulters as a penalty, in addition to the ground rent owed.
“Those in Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse II, and Guzape Districts will pay the sum of N3 million as a penalty, in addition to the ground rent owed.
“Defaulters in Wuse I, Garki I and Garki II will pay N2 million as a penalty in addition to the ground rent owed.
“Also, all those who purchased properties from other people but are yet to register their interests by obtaining the mandatory minister’s consent and registering their deeds of assignment now have 14 days (two weeks) to do so at the FCT Department of Land Administration.
“Furthermore, the FCT Minister, Mr. Nyesom Wike, has granted a 14-day grace period to all property holders in the FCT to pay up their Right of Occupancy (R-of-O)/Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) bills, or risk revocation of those titles.
“Going forward, the minister has advised property owners in the FCT to ensure that they pay all necessary bills and charges on their properties as and when due so as to enable the government to continue to carry out necessary developmental projects for the benefit of the people.”
