PDP Reacts to Secretariat Sealing Amid Wike Controversy
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed frustration over the continued sealing of its national secretariat in Abuja, despite President Bola Tinubu’s directive that all such sealed properties be reopened within 14 days.
While other properties in the same Wuse Zone 5 area, including Ibro Hotel and the Federal Inland Revenue Service office, have been reopened, the PDP office remains locked.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) sealed several properties on Monday, claiming the affected parties failed to pay their ground rent.
However, PDP officials argue the action against them is politically motivated.
Daniel Woyengikuro, the party’s National Financial Secretary, criticised the move, questioning why a debt of less than N10 million warranted the closure of a property valued at N400 million.
He further explained that the property is not officially registered under the PDP’s name and that the issue is currently in court, involving a private individual and the FCTA not the party itself.
The closure has significantly disrupted the party’s operations, and staff have been unable to access the building.
A private security guard confirmed that officials from the Development Control Department ordered everyone out, and despite the President’s directive, only police officers have been allowed to enter since then.
The guards were initially permitted to stay but were later ordered to leave, and now monitor the premises from outside.
Speaking anonymously, a staff member from PDP’s public relations unit insisted the situation is politically charged, especially since other buildings sealed for the same reason have already been reopened.
He questioned why only the PDP office remains closed and suggested that the delay contradicts the President’s instructions, potentially signalling indirect approval of the closure.
In response to the criticism, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, said he would not be intimidated by blackmail.
He added on tax and rent payments for development in Abuja, pointing out that the territory does not benefit from oil revenue and relies heavily on these funds.
Wike revealed that non-payment of ground rent has been a major challenge for his administration and hinted at plans to increase the rent rates soon.
He insisted that ownership or social status would not protect anyone from sanctions and confirmed that over 1,500 certificates of occupancy have already been issued under his watch.
He argued that collecting these certificates without paying the necessary taxes is unacceptable.
Wike also expressed satisfaction with the progress of ongoing infrastructure projects in the city, praising contractors for their quality work and adherence to deadlines.
Meanwhile, the PDP continues to operate from its campaign office, the Legacy House, although the closure of its main secretariat has severely limited its activities.
As the two-week window given by the President progresses, it remains to be seen whether the PDP’s office will be reopened or if the dispute will intensify.
