The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has yet to comply with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to reopen the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Secretariat, 48 hours after the order was issued.
When The PUNCH visited the Wadata Plaza in Wuse Zone 5, Abuja, around 11am on Wednesday, both entrances to the building were still sealed. Staff and private security personnel were seen waiting outside, unable to enter.
The secretariat was shut down by the FCTA on Monday at about 2:06 p.m. as part of a broader crackdown on property owners defaulting on ground rent payments.
The FCTA had earlier announced plans to reclaim 4,794 properties with unpaid rent totaling ₦6.96 billion, spanning up to 43 years of arrears.
The PDP, through its Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, condemned the action as “irresponsible,” alleging political motives behind the closure.
However, Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, defended the move, insisting it was lawful and apolitical.
In response to rising concerns, President Tinubu on Monday ordered the immediate reopening of the PDP headquarters and other affected properties, granting a 14-day grace period for payment of outstanding dues.
Despite the directive, the PDP office remains inaccessible. A party insider told The PUNCH that negotiations are ongoing to resolve the impasse and reopen the building.
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