Abuja – More than 24 hours after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered the unsealing of properties sealed over unpaid ground rent, the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remains shut.
On Monday, officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) embarked on a mass sealing operation targeting properties in default of ground rent payments, sparking public outrage. Among the affected properties was the PDP national secretariat, located in Wuse Zone 5, Abuja.
Following the backlash, President Tinubu directed that the sealed properties be reopened and granted a 14-day grace period for defaulters to settle their obligations, including a penalty fee of N2 million. He also urged all affected parties to regularise their land titles.
However, a visit by Daily Trust to the PDP secretariat around 10:15 a.m. on Wednesday revealed that the premises remained locked. The FCTA seal was still visibly placed on the gate, and staff members were seen waiting outside, expressing frustration over the continued closure.
“I was here yesterday when FCTA officials unsealed other buildings like FIRS, Ibro Hotel, and NAPTIP,” a staff member told Daily Trust off the record. “But when they got to our office, they drove off immediately. I even followed them to their office and was told they’re awaiting further instructions from AGIS before unsealing PDP.”
The PDP has yet to release an official statement on the latest development. However, following the initial sealing, Acting National Chairman of the party, Umar Damagum, condemned the FCTA’s action, describing it as “the height of irresponsibility.”
“In fact, if they want to arrest all of us, we are ready for that,” he stated. “They are trying to mar democracy, and this is not acceptable. We condemn it and assure them they will have to contend.”
The ongoing situation has fueled speculation of political interference, especially given the strained relationship between the opposition party and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
