Our reporter
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has sealed the National Secretariat of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja, in a sweeping clampdown on property owners who have failed to meet ground rent obligations.
The PDP headquarters, located in the Wuse Zone of the Federal Capital Territory, was officially shut down at approximately 2:05 p.m. on Monday by FCTA operatives. The action is part of a broader enforcement exercise by the Administration targeting properties with significant outstanding debts.
Confirming the closure, officials of the FCTA stated that the PDP building was among several prominent properties in Abuja that have defaulted on ground rent payments, despite repeated notices and opportunities to regularise their records.
In addition to the PDP secretariat, the FCTA also sealed Ibro Hotel in Zone 5, citing an unpaid ground rent dating back 26 years. Similarly, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) office, also in Zone 5, was closed for owing 25 years of ground rent.
A Total petrol station in Zone 5 was also affected, with the FCTA revoking its allocation and sealing the premises over continued non-payment. Meanwhile, Access Bank’s branch in Wuse was similarly shut down due to its failure to meet ground rent obligations.
An FCTA spokesperson noted that the ongoing exercise aims to enforce compliance and recover funds owed to the FCT Administration, which are critical for infrastructure and development in the capital city.
“The FCTA has given ample time and notice to all affected entities. These actions are being taken in accordance with the law to recover substantial amounts owed to the government,” the spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, in anticipation of the PDP’s 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for Tuesday, party stakeholders have announced that the meeting will now be held at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja. The relocation was necessitated by the sealing of the party’s main headquarters.
The development has triggered political tension within the capital, as the closure of the PDP’s headquarters comes at a critical time for the main opposition party. The NEC meeting is expected to address internal party affairs, with several high-profile figures in attendance.
As of press time, the PDP had not issued an official statement regarding the closure of its secretariat or whether legal steps would be taken to challenge the FCTA’s actions.
Meanwhile, in preparation for tomorrow’s 99th PDP NEC meeting, the PDP Stakeholders will meet at the Bauchi State Governors Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja.
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