Forty-eight hours after President Bola Tinubu ordered the reopening of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) national headquarters, the facility remains sealed by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
When our correspondent visited the PDP National Secretariat at Wadata Plaza, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja, around 11 a.m. on Wednesday, both main entrances were still locked. Staff and private security personnel were seen loitering outside, unable to access the building.
The FCTA taskforce had sealed the secretariat and other properties on Monday at about 2:06 p.m. over unpaid ground rent. The administration cited longstanding defaults—some dating back over four decades—affecting 4,794 properties and totaling ₦6.96 billion in dues.
PDP Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, speaking at a National Caucus meeting the same day, criticized the action, calling it a display of “government irresponsibility.”
However, Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, defended the operation, saying it was lawful and devoid of political bias.
In response to growing concern, President Tinubu directed that the sealed properties, including the PDP headquarters, be reopened and given a 14-day grace period to settle outstanding rent.
Despite this directive, the secretariat remains closed. A party source told The PUNCH that efforts are underway to resolve the impasse and reopen the office.