PDP Condemns Sealing Of National HQ, Accuses FG Of ‘Brazen Abuse Of Power’
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned the Federal Government following the sudden sealing of its national headquarters, Wadata Plaza, by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
The party described the move as a “brazen abuse of power” and “a reckless attempt to undermine democracy,” citing it as part of a broader political clampdown.
The FCTA reportedly shut down the building over unpaid ground rent accumulating for 28 years.
However, PDP leaders dismissed the action as politically motivated, especially given the sensitive timing amid deepening internal divisions and high-stakes strategic meetings within the opposition party.
Following the development, the party convened an emergency caucus meeting Monday evening at the Bauchi Governors’ Lodge in Abuja, where it temporarily relocated operations.
Speaking after the meeting, Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, decried the government’s actions.
“This is a clear attempt to undermine democracy, and we will hold them accountable. They could come and arrest all of us—we are prepared,” Damagum declared.
“If they are encouraging such actions, we do not take it lightly. This is a clear example of the irresponsibility exhibited by this government. We condemn this act in the strongest terms. It is a reckless display of irresponsibility, and we will not tolerate it.”
Damagum also stated that the party would ensure Nigerians fully understand the implications of what he described as executive overreach and political intimidation.
“We are putting Nigerians on notice. This is not about ground rent; this is about silencing opposition voices and crippling democratic institutions,” he added.
The emergency meeting, which started at 5:30 PM, was convened not only in response to the sealing of the party headquarters but also to address escalating internal crises. Key among these is the ongoing feud between the party leadership and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, a former PDP stalwart.
Wike recently pulled out of reconciliation efforts and accused prominent party leaders—including Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde—of dishonesty in negotiations. A party insider told Vanguard under anonymity:
“The BoT is trying to sort out the issues with Wike. He pulled out of the peace talks and accused leaders like Seyi Makinde of not being truthful.”
The worsening internal crisis has prompted fears over the PDP’s stability and electoral viability as Nigeria inches closer to crucial off-cycle elections and prepares for national political realignments.
Present at the emergency meeting were several PDP governors and influential party figures including:
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State (Chairman, PDP Governors’ Forum),
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State,
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu,
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa,
Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa,
Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara,
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun, and
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau.
Also in attendance were former Senate President Bukola Saraki, former Osun State Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, former Kaduna State Governor Ahmed Makarfi, PDP BoT member Ben Obi, retired Navy Commodore Bode George, and other key stakeholders.
As the party grapples with both internal and external pressures, the PDP leadership has adjourned its caucus meeting until Tuesday morning. Damagum confirmed that a small committee has been constituted to present findings and recommendations for a way forward.
“We have just adjourned today’s meeting until tomorrow at 10 o’clock. A small committee has been established to present a report tomorrow morning, and we will resume discussions from there,” he said.
Meanwhile, the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) is reportedly considering postponing the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting originally scheduled for Tuesday to allow more time for internal mediation and coordination.
The sealing of Wadata Plaza, a longstanding symbol of the PDP’s dominance in Nigeria’s political history, has drawn public scrutiny not only over its political implications but also regarding the party’s financial management and operational integrity.
PDP Condemns Sealing Of National HQ, Accuses FG Of ‘Brazen Abuse Of Power’ is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
