The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned the revocation of its Right of Occupancy by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government, calling it an attempt to suppress opposition and undermine democracy.

In a statement on Tuesday, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba criticized the move by Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike, to revoke the party’s land title, including:

• Wadata Plaza, the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja.
• A new property under construction.

Ologunagba described the decision as a “dangerous step toward totalitarianism” and vowed that the PDP will resist any attempt to silence the opposition.

Wike’s Justification for the Revocation

The FCT Administration, in a letter dated March 13, 2025, stated that the PDP had failed to pay its ground rent for 20 years (from January 1, 2006, to January 1, 2025).

The revocation notice, signed by Director of Land Administration, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, read:

“The revocation is in view of your continued contravention of the terms and conditions of the Right of Occupancy by failing to pay the annual ground rents due on the property for 20 years.”

According to Wike, multiple reminders were published in national newspapers since 2023, urging property owners to clear outstanding debts.

The FCT Administration has now taken possession of the PDP secretariat, pending full payment of outstanding bills.

PDP’s Response & Political Tension

The PDP argues that the action is politically motivated, considering that other property owners owing ground rent have not faced similar consequences.

Ologunagba hinted that the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) is currently in a meeting to strategize its next move.

The revocation further fuels political tensions, especially with:

• The emergency rule in Rivers State.
• The suspension of Governor Fubara.
• The ongoing power struggle between APC and PDP.

As the situation unfolds, the PDP is expected to challenge the revocation legally or politically, setting the stage for yet another fierce political battle.