The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned the Federal Government for sealing its national headquarters in Abuja, describing the move as a blatant attempt to undermine democracy.
Earlier on Monday, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) sealed Wadata Plaza, which houses the PDP’s national secretariat, citing the party’s failure to pay ground rent for 28 years. The action was enforced under the supervision of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, himself a PDP member.
The party’s leadership expressed its outrage during an emergency caucus meeting held Monday evening at the Bauchi Governors’ Lodge in Abuja.
Speaking at the meeting, Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, labeled the office closure a “reckless attempt” to stifle democratic institutions and warned that the party would resist further provocations, including possible arrests.
“We will not take this lightly. They may come and arrest all of us — we are prepared. This is a clear attempt to undermine democracy, and we will hold them accountable,” Damagum declared.
He further criticized the government’s actions, stating: “If this is what they are encouraging, we will not tolerate it. This is an egregious act of irresponsibility by this administration. We condemn it in the strongest terms.”
Damagum also emphasized that the PDP would raise public awareness about the implications of the move, and noted that a formal response would follow after further deliberations.
“We’ve adjourned the meeting until 10 a.m. tomorrow. A small committee has been set up to present its report, after which discussions will resume,” he added.
The sealing of the party headquarters has forced the PDP to temporarily relocate its operations to the Bauchi Governors’ Lodge — underscoring the urgency and gravity of the situation.
The party’s internal crisis deepened on Sunday after Minister Wike withdrew from reconciliation talks and accused several PDP governors of betrayal.
Monday’s emergency meeting, which began at 5:30 p.m., also addressed ongoing internal rifts, particularly the escalating feud involving Wike.
In attendance were several high-profile party leaders, including: Umar Iliya Damagum, Acting National Chairman, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, Governor of Enugu State, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, Governor of Adamawa State, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, Governor of Plateau State, Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State, Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, Governor of Bauchi State and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Dauda Lawal, Governor of Zamfara State, Ademola Adeleke, Governor of Osun State, Seyi Makinde, Governor of Oyo State.
Others in attendance were Olagunsoye Oyinlola, former Governor of Osun State, Ahmed Makarfi, former Governor of Kaduna State and BoT Secretary, Abba Moro, Senate Minority Leader, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, former Senate President and ex-Governor of Kwara State, Ben Nwoye Obi, PDP BoT member, Olabode Ibiyinka George, retired Navy Commodore
Other key figures present included Jerry Gana, former Minister of Information; Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, former Governor of Niger State; Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, Chairman of the PDP Ministers’ Forum; and Iyom Josephine Nwogo Anenih, former Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development.
Meanwhile, the PDP’s Board of Trustees (BoT) is reportedly considering postponing the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting originally scheduled for Tuesday, in a bid to allow more time to resolve internal tensions and preserve party cohesion.
