‘Attempt to stifle opposition’ — PDP reacts to secretariat land title revocation

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says the revocation of its land occupancy rights by the federal capital territory administration (FCTA) is an attempt to “stifle opposition parties” in the country.

In a letter dated March 13, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, director of land administration at the FCT administration, said the revocation of the secretariat land title was due to “non-payment” of ground rent.

Ground rent is a yearly fee landowners pay for the right to occupy and use their property.

Nwankwoeze said the PDP has failed to pay the annual ground rents due on the property from January 1, 2006, to January 1, 2025.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP spokesperson, said the land title revocation is a threat to democracy.

Ologunagba said the revocation affected both party buildings—Wadata Plaza in Wuse Zone 5, which currently serves as the national secretariat, and the uncompleted 11-storey edifice in the Central Business District.

“The attempt by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government to revoke the right of occupancy of the national secretariat of the PDP is highly condemnable,” Ologunagba said.

“It is aimed at stifling opposition in this country and, of course, a drive towards totalitarianism, and it is a threat to democracy.

“It is an attempt to stifle opposition.”

Ologunagba added that the national working committee (NWC) of the PDP would take a position on the revocation after an emergency meeting.