By Samuel Adeola
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has condemned the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), for sealing its national secretariat in Abuja on Monday, describing the action as a politically motivated attempt by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government to stifle opposition.
While the FCTA cited unpaid ground rent as the reason for the action, the PDP insists it was a calculated move to intimidate and weaken the party.
PDP Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, who addressed the press after an emergency caucus meeting at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, described the development as “the highest irresponsibility” by the federal government.
“In fact, if they want to arrest all of us, we are ready for that,” Damagum said. “They are trying to mar democracy, and this is not acceptable. We condemn it and assure them they will have to contend.”
The sealing forced the party to reschedule its planned National Executive Committee (NEC), meeting from Monday night to Tuesday morning.
Damagum further accused the APC administration of using federal institutions as tools for political oppression.
“As you can see, our national secretariat has been sealed off. This is the height of irresponsibility from this government,” he said, warning that the PDP would not stand by while democracy is undermined.
“They will have us to contend with in the near future,” he added.
The move has drawn criticism from PDP members and civil society groups, who view it as a troubling signal for Nigeria’s democracy under President Bola Tinubu.
A full statement from the PDP is expected following Tuesday’s NEC meeting.
