Despite a clear directive from the Presidency, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has yet to comply with the order to unseal the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), more than 48 hours after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu instructed its immediate reopening.
On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, our correspondent visited the PDP National Secretariat, located at Wadata Plaza in Wuse Zone 5, Abuja. By 11 a.m., the situation on the ground remained unchanged. Both the main and side entrances to the building were still securely locked. Numerous staff members and private security operatives could be seen standing idly outside the premises, expressing frustration over their inability to access their offices.
The controversial sealing of the secretariat took place on Monday, May 26, 2025, at approximately 2:06 p.m., when a taskforce under the FCTA moved in as part of a wider enforcement action targeting property owners defaulting on ground rent payments. According to officials, the PDP facility was among several properties identified in this sweeping operation. The administration claims that some of the affected properties had accumulated unpaid dues over a staggering period ranging from 10 to 43 years.
In total, the FCTA disclosed that it plans to repossess as many as 4,794 properties across the territory, citing a combined debt of about ₦6.96 billion. The development sparked immediate backlash from the PDP. Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, during a National Caucus meeting held later that same Monday, May 26, 2025, publicly condemned the FCTA’s actions. He described the sealing of the opposition party’s headquarters as “an act of irresponsibility,” suggesting it carried undertones of political intimidation.
In response to the political tension generated by the incident, President Tinubu promptly issued a directive later that same day, Monday, May 26, 2025, ordering the unsealing of the PDP secretariat and other similarly affected properties. According to the directive, a 14-day grace period should be granted to enable defaulting owners, including the PDP, to settle their outstanding obligations.
However, as of the morning of Wednesday, May 28, 2025, there was still no visible compliance with the presidential order. A party insider, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that discussions are ongoing behind the scenes. The source noted that efforts are being made by PDP leadership to resolve the situation amicably and facilitate the reopening of the premises.
As the standoff continues, questions remain about the FCTA’s reluctance to carry out a directive from the highest office in the land.
