The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the revocation notice on the party national secretariat by the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as a threat to democracy.
The party added that the aim of the notice was to stifle opposition in the country.
Reacting to the revocation, PDP, which summoned an emergency meeting on the development, noted that the revocation is on both properties, the new one under construction and the one the PDP has been occupying for almost two decades- the Wadata Plaza.
PDP, in a statement by its spokesman, Hon. Debo Ologunagba said, “the attempt by the All Progressives Congress government to revoke the Right of Occupancy of the National Secretariat of the PDP is highly condemnable.
“It is aimed at stifling opposition in this country and of course a drive towards totalitarianism. And it is a threat to democracy. The NWC now is meeting and I will get back to you shortly with detailed response of our party to this development.
“To let you know how despicable this action is, it is both properties. Both the new one under construction and the one the PDP has been occupying for almost two decades- the Wadata Plaza. It is an attempt to stifle opposition.”
Also reacting, the Conference of Professionals in the PDP (CP-PDP), described the development as APC attack on democracy.
The CP-PDP, in a statement by its Protem National Coordinator, Barr. Obinna Nwachukwu, condemned the attempt by the APC-controlled Federal Territory (FCT) to revoke the PDP national secretariats in Abuja.
“After a review of the revocation notice with vital information from patriotic citizens at the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), the CP-PDP notes that the process is completely flawed as it did not follow due process, thus validating the fact that it was conceived and issued in bad faith with the intent to hurt and hamstring the PDP and democracy in Nigeria.
“CP-PDP holds that this attempt to bully, intimidate and coerce opposition clearly gives credence to the earlier stand of the Conference that the Minister of the FCT, Chief Nyesom Wike has pitched tents with the APC administration in APC’s plot to destroy the PDP.
“As professionals and patriotic Nigerians, the Conference is worried that such attack on a major opposition party is ominous and constitute a clear and present danger to the sustenance of democracy, freedom and political participation in our country,” CP-PDP said.
The PDP group further said that the essence of democracy is in the availability of credible options to the citizens to fully participate in politics and governance, adding that “this attempt by the APC to curtail the ability of Nigerians to freely engage in the democratic process without fear or encumbrances is therefore condemnable.”
The Conference however stated that “this attempt by the APC to cripple our party cannot deter the PDP ahead of 2027. The CP-PDP body of lawyers will be liaising with the leadership of our party to take all necessary steps within the ambit of the law to resist and stop this assault on the PDP and opposition in Nigeria.”
The letter of revocation by the Director, Land Administration, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, which was signed on behalf of the Ministry reads, “I have been directed to refer to the above Right of Occupancy granted to PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP), NATIONAL SECRETARIAT and inform you that the Minister of Federal Capital Territory has in the exercise of powers conferred on him under the Land Use Act No. 6 of 1978, Cap. L5, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, revoked your rights, interests and privileges over Plot No. 243 within Central Area, Cadastral Zone A00, Abuja.
“The revocation is in view of your continued contravention of the terms and conditions of grant of the Right of Occupancy by failing to pay the annual ground rents due on the property for twenty (20) years, from 1st of January 2006 to 1st of January 2025. This is despite the many publications made by the FCT Administration since 2023 in several national dailies and on electronic media requesting all allottees of plots in the Federal Capital Territory to pay up every outstanding bills and ground rents on their properties.
“You would please note that the said breaches by PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP), NATIONAL SECRETARIAT (MISC 81346) run contrary to the provisions of Section 28, Subsection 5 (a) and (b) of the Land Use Act. 4. I am to further inform you that the subject property (Plot No, 243 Central Area, Cadastral Zone A00, Abuja) has thus reverted to the Federal Capital Territory Administration and the Administration will take immediate possession thereof.
