The Federal Capital Territory Authority (FCTA) on Monday sealed the national secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Wadata Plaza, over the party’s alleged failure to pay statutory ground rent for several years.
The operation, carried out by enforcement officials from the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and backed by a joint task force of armed military personnel, police, civil defence, and vehicle inspection officers, began at approximately 2:04 p.m.
Upon arriving at the PDP headquarters in Abuja, the enforcement team was met with resistance from staff who locked the main gate from the inside, temporarily preventing access. In response, the FCDA team chained the gate and prominently displayed a large seal notice which read:
“This property is now owned by FCTA. 26-5-25.”
By 2:17 p.m., a brief truce allowed party staff inside the building to exit with their personal belongings and vehicles. The development disrupted a scheduled meeting of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), which was set to commence at 3 p.m. at the now-sealed secretariat.
The PDP has since condemned the action, describing it as politically motivated.
“This action is a deliberate and dangerous attempt by the APC-led federal government to undermine Nigeria’s democracy,” a party spokesperson stated.
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Critics have also pointed fingers at FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, suggesting that the timing of the enforcement — amid ongoing internal rifts within the PDP — further indicates political interference.
The sealing of the PDP national secretariat has sparked outrage among party loyalists and civil society groups, who have described the move as heavy-handed and anti-democratic.
Presidential Intervention
Later Monday evening, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu intervened in the escalating situation by announcing a 14-day grace period for property owners in the FCT who have defaulted on ground rent payments.
This was made known by Mr. Chijioke Nwankwoeze, Director of Land Administration in the FCT, during a press briefing in Abuja:
“On May 26, 2025, enforcement began on 4,794 properties revoked for non-payment of ground rent spanning 10 to 43 years,” he said.
“Properties affected include those owned by government institutions, corporate organisations, and individuals. This enforcement reflects the FCT Administration’s commitment to executing its duties without fear or favour.”
However, he announced that the President had stepped in to offer a two-week reprieve:
“By the intervention of President His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, holders of the affected properties have been granted 14 days (two weeks) to settle the outstanding ground rents, including applicable penalties,” Nwankwoeze stated.
He further outlined the penalty structure by district:
“For properties in the Central Area, defaulters are required to pay a penalty of N5 million in addition to the ground rent owed.
“Those in Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse II, and Guzape districts will pay N3 million as penalty alongside their ground rent arrears.
“Defaulters in Wuse I, Garki I, and Garki II will pay a penalty of N2 million in addition to the outstanding ground rent.
The Director added:
“Additionally, all individuals who purchased properties from others but have yet to register their interests by obtaining the mandatory Minister’s Consent and registering their Deeds of Assignment have 14 days to do so at the FCT Department of Land Administration.”
Minister Wike also weighed in, warning property owners to comply or face title revocation:
“The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, has also granted a 14-day grace period to all property holders in the FCT to pay their Right of Occupancy (R-of-O) and Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) bills, or risk revocation of their titles,” the statement noted.
“Going forward, the Minister advises all property owners in the FCT to ensure timely payment of all relevant bills and charges to enable the government to continue implementing vital development projects for the benefit of the people.”
The sealing of a major opposition party’s national headquarters, while part of a broader clampdown on defaulters — has raised questions about selective enforcement and political intimidation.
As the PDP considers its next steps, pressure mounts on the FCT Administration to ensure that legal procedures are applied uniformly and without political bias, particularly in such sensitive national matters.