The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), under the directive of Minister Nyesom Wike, on Monday sealed the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja over alleged failure to pay ground rent spanning several decades.
The enforcement action took place at approximately 2:06 pm when a team of FCTA officials arrived at Wadata Plaza, the PDP’s national secretariat located in Wuse Zone 5, and locked the main gate, preventing further access to the premises.
This development is part of a wider recovery initiative announced by the FCTA on Sunday, which targets over 4,700 land titles reportedly revoked due to non-compliance with statutory ground rent obligations.
The administration cited non-payment of ground rent for periods ranging from 10 to 43 years as grounds for the revocation and subsequent enforcement.
FCTA officials stated that the exercise is not politically motivated but forms part of the Administration’s broader mandate to recover outstanding liabilities tied to public and private land allocations in the capital city.
The PDP headquarters was among several identified for enforcement due to longstanding rent defaults.
The sealing of Wadata Plaza comes amid rising political tension in the country, particularly as the PDP continues its internal reconciliation efforts ahead of future electoral cycles. Although party officials have not issued an official statement as of press time, sources within the secretariat confirmed the closure and expressed concern about the timing and legal basis for the action.
Land administration experts argue that the enforcement action could signal a stricter regulatory stance by the FCTA under Wike’s leadership, particularly targeting non-performing leaseholders regardless of political or institutional affiliations.
In recent weeks, the FCTA has stepped up actions to improve internal revenue generation by recovering unpaid ground rents, an obligation tied to all land title holders within the Federal Capital Territory.
Authorities say the decision to revoke titles and enforce sanctions was taken after multiple notices and payment demands were ignored.
Aside from the PDP office, the FCTA has sealed other properties, including commercial banks, fuel stations, and private institutions, as part of the sweeping recovery effort.
The administration has warned that more enforcement actions are imminent unless affected parties regularize their land obligations.
Analysts note that while the enforcement may boost compliance and government revenue, it also raises concerns over transparency and due process in property rights enforcement. Legal observers have called for clarity on the list of affected properties and whether adequate procedural steps were taken before enforcement.
The PDP secretariat closure adds another layer to the ongoing political dynamics between opposition parties and the federal government, particularly as land use regulations intersect with political party infrastructure.
As the situation develops, attention remains on the FCTA to clarify its long-term enforcement framework and the PDP’s expected legal or administrative response in the coming days.
