Abuja, Nigeria – May 29, 2025
Tensions are rising in Nigeria’s political landscape as the national secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja remains sealed, despite reports of a directive from President Bola Tinubu urging its reopening.
The move to shut down the PDP’s headquarters stems from a controversial land revocation issued by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), led by Minister Nyesom Wike.
According to a letter dated March 13, 2025, the FCTA revoked the PDP’s Right of Occupancy over unpaid ground rents spanning nearly two decades from 2006 to 2025.In the letter, signed by Chijioke Nwankwoeze, Director of Land Administration, the FCTA stated that the property now
“reverts back to the government” due to the PDP’s failure to meet financial obligations and multiple ignored warnings. The administration says it has now taken possession of the property.
The PDP has condemned the action, calling it politically motivated. Party spokesperson Debo Ologunagba described the revocation as a “brazen attack on democracy” and accused the FCT Minister of using his office to suppress opposition voices.
“The PDP paid its dues in blood and sweat to deepen democracy in Nigeria,” Ologunagba said. “This action is not just an attack on our party it’s an attack on the democratic ideals Nigerians cherish.
“There are growing concerns that Wike, a former PDP governor now serving under an APC-led federal government, may be using his position to undermine his former party.
While some government insiders reportedly claimed that President Tinubu had ordered the property unsealed to avoid escalating political tensions, there is no official statement confirming that such an order was issued.
Critics say Wike’s refusal to reverse the decision if indeed there was a presidential directive reflects a deepening power play within the political elite and may signal further hostilities in the run-up to future elections.
As of today, the PDP headquarters remains under lock and key, with party leaders weighing legal and political options to challenge the revocation. Meanwhile, civil society groups and opposition lawmakers are calling for a transparent resolution to what they describe as a dangerous precedent for democracy.
