Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
In what’s shaping up to be a bold defiance — or a silent power tussle — Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has refused to unseal the PDP national headquarters in Abuja, even after a clear directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The reason? Ground rent. Yes, you read that right.
Earlier this week, Wike’s FCTA enforcement squad stormed properties across Abuja, sealing over 4,700 buildings for failure to pay ground rent — a fee landowners pay annually for the right to use land in the capital. Among the targeted buildings? The national headquarters of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Nigeria’s main opposition.
A Presidential Pause… That’s Ignored?
In response to the public outcry, President Tinubu swiftly stepped in — calling for a temporary suspension of the enforcements and granting affected property owners a 14-day grace period to clear their dues. Sounds fair, right?
Well, apparently not to Wike.
As of Wednesday morning, May 28, the PDP headquarters at Wuse Zone 5 remains tightly sealed, complete with an FCTA sticker and a visibly locked gate. Inside? No activity. Outside? Frustrated staff members — some sitting on pavements, others pacing — all waiting for a breakthrough that hasn’t come.
“Selective Justice?”
One staff member, speaking off the record, hinted at something more than just overdue payments:
“They unsealed FIRS, Ibro Hotel, and even NAPTIP. But when they got to us, they sped off. Something is fishy.”
Even a visit to the FCTA office revealed no clear answer. “We’re waiting for instructions,” one official said.
PDP: This is Political!
Umar Damagum, the PDP’s Acting National Chairman, didn’t mince words. He called the FCTA’s action:
“The highest level of irresponsibility… a direct attempt to undermine democracy.”
He even went as far as saying the party was ready to be arrested if it came to that.
What’s Really Going On?
Wike, a former PDP strongman turned Tinubu ally, has been locked in a not-so-subtle feud with the opposition party since assuming office as FCT Minister. Many see this latest move not just as enforcement of law, but a power play—one with potential national implications.
With the PDP crying foul and the FCT holding firm, the political temperature in the capital is rising fast.
⚖️ So, What’s Next?
Will Wike yield to Tinubu’s order? Or is this the beginning of a deeper rift within the ruling coalition?
Whatever happens, one thing is clear: This isn’t just about ground rent anymore.
Stay tuned — Abuja is heating up.
