•Party’s Tuesday NEC meeting at risk •PDP vows to challenge takeover •Action not politically motivated —FCTA •4,793 other properties affected
With just days to a pivotal National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faces a fresh political storm as the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) prepares to take possession of its national secretariat in Abuja over decades-long Ground Rent defaults.
The FCTA, on Friday, confirmed that it will begin enforcement of revocation orders affecting 4,794 properties across high-value districts of the capital, including the PDP headquarters, on Monday, May 26, 2025.
The move follows the expiration of a 21-day grace period given to defaulting property owners to pay their debts, some of which date back 43 years.
The total outstanding ground rent stands at ₦6.9 billion, according to FCTA officials.
If carried out, the action could force the PDP to relocate or suspend its NEC meeting scheduled for Tuesday, potentially intensifying its internal leadership crisis.
The party is already grappling with factional divisions and strained loyalties.
The looming seizure of the party’s secretariat has sparked allegations of political sabotage.
The PDP has reacted with suspicion.
When contacted, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, stated tersely: “We will deal with it on Monday,” signaling possible legal action or political resistance.
Insiders say the timing of the revocation – coming on the eve of a major PDP leadership meeting – raises red flags.
The NEC gathering is expected to deliberate on key issues, including party restructuring, zoning for the 2027 general elections, and the role of dissenting figures in the future of the party.
Observers warn that the situation could escalate tensions between the opposition party and the APC-led federal government, especially as Nigeria edges closer to another high-stakes electoral cycle.
For many within the PDP, eviction from the secretariat is more than a bureaucratic measure – it is a symbolic and strategic blow.