The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), under the leadership of Minister Nyesom Wike, has sealed the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in what appears to be a dramatic twist in the ongoing tension between the minister and the opposition party.
At exactly 2:06 pm on Monday, officials from the FCTA arrived at Wadata Plaza, the PDP’s national secretariat located in Wuse Zone 5, Abuja, and locked the main entrance gate.
The surprise action effectively shut down activities within the party’s headquarters and left party members and staff outside, some visibly confused and distressed.
This development follows the FCTA’s announcement on Sunday regarding its intention to repossess properties linked to the non-payment of ground rents.
According to the administration, over 4,794 land titles have been revoked due to the failure of their owners to meet financial obligations spanning from 10 to 43 years. Wadata Plaza is reportedly one of the properties listed in the mass enforcement drive.
Although no formal statement has been issued specifically about the PDP secretariat, sources within the FCTA hinted that the action was a direct consequence of longstanding ground rent defaults.
However, the sealing of the PDP’s headquarters is raising eyebrows, especially considering the timing and the growing internal rift between Wike and the party he once championed.
PDP insiders have described the move as politically motivated. A senior member of the party, who preferred not to be named, said the action was more of a vendetta than an administrative measure.
According to him, the selective enforcement suggests a targeted attack, especially given Wike’s recent clashes with PDP governors and his controversial role in the 2023 general elections.
The former Rivers State governor has come under fire in recent days from various PDP factions who accuse him of destabilizing the party from within.
Critics argue that sealing the party’s secretariat under the guise of a rent dispute is an extension of Wike’s political feud with top PDP figures.
As of press time, security operatives remained stationed at the premises to prevent any attempt to reopen the building.
The PDP’s National Working Committee is yet to issue an official response, but there are growing calls within the party for a swift reaction, including legal steps to challenge the closure.
The incident adds another layer of complexity to the internal crisis rocking Nigeria’s main opposition party, and many are watching closely to see how the party leadership will respond to what some have described as an act of political intimidation.