PDP Faces Double Setback: Land Revocation And State Of Emergency In Rivers

Double Losses for the PDP: Land Revocation and Political Chaos

Listen up, friends. Here’s what’s going on in Nigerian politics today. On Tuesday, the People's Democratic Party (PDP) got hit with not one, but two massive setbacks. First, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, revoked 4,794 land titles in Abuja. Why? Because the owners didn’t pay their ground rent. Now, here's the kicker—among the affected properties is the national secretariat of the PDP itself. Talk about a blow to the opposition.

But that’s not all. At the same time, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State because of the escalating political crisis there. It’s like a double whammy for the PDP. Let me break it down for you.

Naija News has learned that the PDP’s headquarters in Abuja, located at Plot No. 243, Central Area, has been under scrutiny for years. According to an official revocation notice dated March 13, 2025, from the Director of Land Administration in the FCT, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, the PDP had been neglecting its annual ground rent payments for two decades. That’s right—two decades. From January 1, 2006, to January 1, 2025, they simply didn’t pay up. Despite multiple public notices warning them to settle their debts, the party ignored the calls. And now, they’re paying the price.

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The notice clearly states, “The subject property has reverted to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), and the Administration will take immediate possession thereof.” This decision has sparked a firestorm of criticism from the PDP, who accuse the administration of using the revocation as a political tool to silence opposition voices. It’s like they’re saying, "You’re not just taking our land; you’re trying to take away our voice."

The National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Debo Ologunagba, was quick to condemn the move. He called it “a drive towards totalitarianism” and described it as an “attempt to stifle opposition.” Ologunagba pointed out that this action affects not only the party’s main headquarters but also their temporary and permanent offices. He warned that this is a serious threat to democracy, suggesting it’s part of a larger strategy to silence opposition voices in Nigeria. It’s a heavy accusation, and it’s clear the PDP feels cornered.

Emergency Meeting Sparks Further Action

In response to the revocation, Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Ambassador Illiya Damagum, called for an emergency meeting to discuss the situation. But here’s the twist—while this meeting was happening, President Bola Tinubu dropped another bombshell. He declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing the rising political tensions and security threats in the region. This decision came after militants in the state threatened to blow up pipelines if Governor Fubara were impeached. Tinubu tried to mediate, but his efforts were rejected by both sides involved in the conflict. So, he decided to take drastic action.

To address the crisis, Tinubu appointed a retired naval officer to oversee the state’s affairs for the next six months. During this time, Governor Fubara and the lawmakers will be suspended from office. It’s a bold move, and it’s raising a lot of questions about the president’s intentions and the future of governance in Rivers State. Some see it as a necessary step to restore peace, while others view it as an overreach of presidential power.

Atiku Abubakar Weighs In

Now, let’s talk about what PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, had to say about all this. Atiku didn’t mince words when he condemned Tinubu’s actions. He described the state of emergency as an “assault on democracy” and accused the president of being a partisan actor in the political crisis in Rivers State. Atiku argued that Tinubu’s refusal—or negligence—to prevent the escalation of the conflict was nothing short of disgraceful.

In a statement released on Tuesday night, Atiku pointed out that Tinubu’s inaction had led to significant security breaches and the destruction of national infrastructure in the state. He said, “Beyond the political scheming in Rivers, the brazen security breaches that led to the condemnable destruction of national infrastructure in the state land squarely on the President’s desk.” It’s a strong accusation, and it highlights the growing frustration with the president’s handling of the situation.

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Atiku also emphasized that the unrest in the Niger Delta under Tinubu’s leadership had undone years of peace and stability. He praised the late President Umaru Yar’Adua for his efforts in securing the region and criticized Tinubu for failing to maintain that progress. Atiku concluded by stating that the president’s actions in Rivers State were “an unforgivable failure” that prioritized political interests over the welfare of the people. It’s clear that the political landscape in Nigeria is heating up, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

What’s Next for the PDP and Nigeria?

As the dust settles from these twin blows, the PDP is left to pick up the pieces. The revocation of their land and the state of emergency in Rivers State are significant challenges that could shape the future of Nigerian politics. The PDP will need to regroup, strategize, and find ways to rebuild their presence both in Abuja and in Rivers. Meanwhile, President Tinubu’s decisions will be closely watched by the public and opposition groups alike. Will these actions restore order, or will they further divide the nation? Only time will tell.