PDP condemns Secretariat sealing, Tinubu grants reprieve.

 Torchlight news.


PDP Condemns Secretariat Sealing, Tinubu Grants Reprieve




The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly criticized the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) for sealing its national secretariat due to a 28-year backlog in ground rent payments. The party accused the federal government of abusing its power and vowed resistance, even expressing readiness for mass arrests if the harassment continues.

Following the uproar, President Bola Tinubu intervened, granting a 14-day grace period for all affected parties, including PDP, to update their property records and clear outstanding dues.

PDP: “A Threat to Democracy”

In an emergency meeting at the Bauchi Governor’s Lodge in Abuja, PDP leaders, including Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, labeled the action a reckless assault on democratic values. Damagum dared authorities to arrest party members, warning that PDP would not tolerate further provocations. He emphasized that the sealing of the secretariat signaled authoritarian tendencies.

The meeting, relocated due to the office closure, also focused on growing internal divisions, particularly involving FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. A small committee was formed to submit a report the following day.

BoT May Delay NEC Meeting

The PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) is considering postponing its scheduled National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting to allow time for resolving internal rifts and maintaining party unity. No venue has been confirmed for the rescheduled session.

Internal Tensions Deepen

Sources revealed that Wike, who withdrew from peace talks, accused Governors Makinde and Mbah of dishonesty. A faction within the PDP, the PDP Frontiers for Change and Progress, fired back, labeling Wike the true destabilizer and accusing him of undermining the party from within. The group urged him to leave the PDP, alleging his loyalty now lies with the APC.

Efforts to get reactions from Makinde and Mbah yielded no comment from either camp.

FCTA Defends Action

Director of Land Administration, Chijioke Nwakwoeze, maintained that the PDP had defaulted on 28 years of ground rent and confirmed the records were accurate. He clarified that defaulters may reclaim properties by appealing to the FCT Minister, who holds final authority on the matter.

“Not a Political Attack” – Wike’s Aide

Lere Olayinka, aide to FCT Minister Wike, rejected claims of political motives, noting the enforcement has affected a range of entities, including Access Bank, FIRS, and others. He emphasized the PDP secretariat was not exempt simply due to political affiliations.

Tinubu’s Intervention and Penalties

The FCTA announced that enforcement began on nearly 4,800 properties owing ground rent for between 10 and 43 years, totaling N6.96 billion. President Tinubu's intervention offers a 14-day reprieve for owners to settle debts and register titles. Penalties range from N2 million to N5 million, depending on the property’s location.

Owners must also complete all necessary documentation, such as obtaining the Minister’s Consent and registering deeds, within the grace period, or risk revocation.

Meanwhile, the internal strife within PDP continues to threaten its stability, with accusations and counter-accusations pointing to deeper fractures in the opposition party.


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