The Peoples Democratic Party has voiced strong concerns over the continuous closure of its national secretariat in Abuja, despite President Bola Tinubu’s directive that all previously sealed properties in the capital be reopened within 14 days.
The PDP secretariat, situated in Wuse Zone 5, remains locked while nearby properties like Ibro Hotel and offices of the Federal Inland Revenue Service have already been reopened. The party believes the selective enforcement raises questions of fairness and political interference.
Officials from the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) had earlier sealed the properties, citing unpaid ground rent. However, PDP insiders say the closure of their office is unjustified, especially when the President has already issued a public directive.
Speaking to reporters, Daniel Woyengikuro, the PDP’s National Financial Secretary, questioned the motives behind the continued closure. He pointed out that the debt in question was under ₦10 million, while the building is valued at around ₦400 million.
“How can N7 million or N10 million be such a significant financial burden for a party that’s been around for over 20 years?” he asked.
Woyengikuro further noted that the issue involves legal proceedings between an individual and the FCTA, not the PDP directly.
“The main PDP property is in court. When a matter is in court, all parties should wait for the court to decide,” he said. He also raised concerns that political motives may be influencing the FCTA’s actions.
The PDP is demanding that the secretariat be reopened immediately, warning that continued closure could damage the democratic process and create the impression of political targeting. “If the PDP has paid, why is this happening?” Woyengikuro asked.
Meanwhile, a private security guard at the site told reporters that FCTA officials came three times on the day of the sealing, eventually ordering everyone out. The guard said they were forced to leave, despite being under contract to secure the property. “Unless the contract is legally terminated, we have a duty to remain committed,” he said.
A staff member from the party’s public relations unit, who asked not to be named, said the shutdown had affected daily operations. “We reported for duty… but the office is still locked. This delay, even after the President’s directive, is unfair,” he noted.
In contrast, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, stated clearly that he would not back down in the face of pressure or accusations. While inspecting construction work around Abuja, Wike said, “Let nobody think that blackmail or whatever will stop us. We will do what we are supposed to do.”
Wike also hinted that an increase in ground rent was being considered, arguing that non-payment had become a major challenge for his administration. “It’s unfortunate that most elite own houses overseas… but when it comes to your own country, you do not want to pay taxes,” he said.
He noted that even though Certificates of Occupancy are being issued regularly, many property owners fail to meet their tax obligations. “It doesn’t matter what anybody wants to say, it is not acceptable,” Wike declared.
While praising contractors for delivering quality work on infrastructure projects, Wike also defended the FCTA’s position, stating that property owners must contribute their share if they want the capital city to progress.
As the days tick by on the President’s 14-day grace period, the PDP continues its work from its campaign office, Legacy House. Still, many in the party say that the continued closure of the main secretariat hampers their ability to function effectively.
