FCTA Seals PDP Secretariat Ahead of NEC Meeting Amid Internal Crisis

Less than 24 hours before the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) highly anticipated National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Monday sealed the party’s national secretariat in Abuja,Daily Trust reports.

The action follows escalating internal tensions within the PDP, with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike—a key player in the crisis—at the center of the storm. The move came just a day after Wike pulled out of peace talks, refusing to support the NEC meeting unless Senator Samuel Anyanwu is recognized as the party’s national secretary.

Wike had previously threatened to revoke over 4,700 land titles due to non-payment of ground rent. Among the affected properties was the PDP’s national headquarters, Wadata Plaza, and its permanent secretariat still under construction in the Central Business District.

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At approximately 2:06 p.m. on Monday, FCTA officials led by Lere Olayinka, spokesperson to the FCT Minister, and Chijioke Nwankwoeze, Director of Land Administration, arrived at Wadata Plaza and locked the main entrance.

Nwankwoeze explained that the action was part of an ongoing enforcement operation targeting properties owing ground rent for up to 43 years. He said notices had been duly served to all affected owners, including Senator Samaila Mamman Kofi, the original titleholder of the secretariat.

Olayinka dismissed claims of political motivation, saying similar actions had been taken against banks, hotels, and even federal agencies.

PDP Reacts: “An Attempt to Silence the Opposition”

PDP Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum condemned the move as an attempt by the APC-led federal government to stifle opposition and disrupt democratic processes. Speaking after a caucus meeting, Damagum declared that the party would not be intimidated.

“This is the height of irresponsibility,” he said. “We are ready to face arrest if necessary, but we will not back down.”

He announced that the caucus meeting would resume Tuesday morning and that a committee had been formed to report on the situation.

Sources within the party said consultations were ongoing to ensure the NEC meeting complies with Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regulations to avoid potential legal challenges. The key concern is whether INEC will recognize documents signed by party officials whose legitimacy is in dispute.

Power Struggle and Deepening Crisis

At the heart of the crisis is a struggle for control of the party ahead of the 2027 general elections. While Wike is seen as aligning the party with President Bola Tinubu’s re-election agenda, several PDP governors, including Bala Mohammed (Bauchi) and Seyi Makinde (Oyo), are resisting such influence.

Monday’s caucus meeting reportedly ended in a deadlock, with no agreement on key leadership issues. Attendees included members of the National Working Committee (NWC), the PDP Governors’ Forum, and the Board of Trustees (BoT).

Tinubu Intervenes: 14-Day Grace Period for Defaulters

Amid mounting public criticism, the FCTA later announced a 14-day grace period for defaulters to settle their debts. A statement signed by Nwankwoeze indicated that property owners in various districts must pay penalties ranging from N2 million to N5 million in addition to outstanding ground rent.

The directive, reportedly issued by President Tinubu, also urges owners to regularize property documentation within the two-week window.

Analysts Divided Over Motives

Political analyst Dr. Abubakar Kari said the action, while legally defensible, is politically suspect due to its timing and the target involved.

“Regardless of the legality, the fact that it’s the PDP headquarters raises red flags,” he noted, adding that many Nigerians will view the seal-off as a calculated attempt to destabilize the opposition.

Kari argued that the PDP should not allow the move to derail its activities. “If they’re serious, they can convene meetings elsewhere. The party’s right to assembly is constitutionally protected,” he said.

Conversely, analyst Jide Ojo faulted the PDP for neglecting its financial obligations, calling the situation an avoidable embarrassment. He pointed out that other entities also faced similar enforcement actions, and the PDP had ample time to pay up.

Allegations of Political Sabotage

PDP chieftain Mallam Umar Sani alleged that the party had attempted to settle the rent but was blocked by Wike.

“The total amount owed is minimal. Wike reportedly instructed that the money should not be accepted,” Sani claimed. “This was a calculated move to halt the NEC meeting.”

He said Wike’s real motive is to prevent NEC from endorsing leadership decisions he opposes, particularly the rejection of Senator Anyanwu as national secretary.

To disguise the political nature of the move, Sani alleged, Wike expanded the operation to include other institutions. “But among 19 political parties with offices in Abuja, only the PDP secretariat was targeted,” he said.

“A Shameful Betrayal” – PDP Leaders Speak Out

NEC member Timothy Osadolor described the seal-off as “a shameful act” by someone who had benefited immensely from the PDP.

“This is a man the party raised—from local government chairman to governor to minister. Now he’s humiliating the same party,” Osadolor said.

He insisted the action was politically driven and that the party would challenge it in court.

“It’s not the building they’re fighting—it’s the will of Nigerians. You can demolish a building, but not the resolve of the people,” he added.