The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed strong condemnation over the recent revocation of its land rights for the national secretariat located in Abuja. The party views this action as a deliberate attempt to stifle opposition and undermine democratic principles in Nigeria.
In a statement issued by the PDP national publicity secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the revocation affects both the ongoing construction of the party’s permanent site in the Central Area and the widely recognized Wadata Plaza in Wuse Zone 5. Ologunagba emphasized that this move is not just a bureaucratic decision but a targeted effort to weaken the opposition party’s operational capacity.
The revocation was announced by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, citing the PDP’s failure to pay annual ground rents for 20 years. A letter from the director of Land Administration, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, detailed that the party had neglected to settle ground rents since January 1, 2006. The letter stated that despite numerous public notifications urging all property allottees to fulfill their payment obligations, the PDP did not comply.
Ologunagba criticized the revocation as a politically motivated act, stating, “This attempt by the All Progressives Congress government to revoke the Right of Occupancy of the National Secretariat of the PDP is highly condemnable. It is aimed at stifling opposition in this country and is a threat to democracy.” He confirmed that the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) is meeting to formulate a detailed response to this development.
The letter of revocation, titled “Notice Of Revocation Of Right Of Occupancy,” indicated that the property would revert to the Federal Capital Territory Administration, which would take immediate possession. The PDP’s leadership is now faced with the challenge of addressing both the logistical and political implications of this action.
As the situation unfolds, the PDP is expected to rally support from its members and allies, aiming to counter what it perceives as an infringement on its rights and a broader assault on the opposition in Nigeria. The party’s response will likely play a crucial role in shaping the political discourse as the country approaches future elections.
