The Peoples Democratic Party in Kogi State has issued a strong warning to individuals encroaching on land designated for its abandoned State Secretariat project, signaling a renewed determination to complete the facility and reclaim the party’s political standing in the state.
Muhammed Gambo, the Kogi State Chairman of the PDP, made the declaration during a site inspection on Tuesday, where he expressed dismay at the scale of illegal occupation and the prolonged abandonment of what was meant to be the party’s administrative headquarters.
Gambo described the situation as “disheartening,” noting that a party which once dominated Kogi’s political landscape continues to struggle with completing its own secretariat. He vowed that under his leadership, the project would be brought to completion and called on the state government to direct relevant agencies to take action against the illegal occupants.
“I am also appealing to party leaders, former governors, senators, and members of the House of Representatives to come to our aid and address these anomalies,” Gambo said during the visit. “We are drawing the state government’s attention to these encroachments, and we will pursue anyone who has taken portions of our land to restore our rightful boundaries.”
The chairman announced plans to establish a technical committee tasked with assessing the extent of the encroachment and providing recommendations on how to proceed with reclaiming the land and resuming construction. He assured party faithful that work on the secretariat would restart shortly, with a focus on delivering a befitting headquarters for the PDP in the state.
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Gambo emphasized that his administration would prioritize transparency and accountability in handling the project, signaling what he described as a departure from past practices that may have contributed to the facility’s incomplete state.
The PDP’s struggle to complete its State Secretariat in Kogi reflects broader challenges the party has faced in maintaining its once-dominant position in the state. For years, the PDP held sway in Kogi politics, producing governors and controlling significant legislative representation. However, the party’s fortunes have declined in recent election cycles, with rival parties making substantial inroads.
The abandonment of the secretariat project has long been a source of embarrassment for party members and supporters, serving as a visible reminder of internal organizational difficulties and resource constraints. The encroachment on the allocated land has further compounded the problem, raising questions about the party’s capacity to protect its assets and assert its presence in the state.
Gambo’s call for intervention from the state government highlights the delicate relationship between opposition parties and ruling administrations, particularly in states where political competition has intensified. The chairman’s appeal to former governors, senators, and federal legislators underscores the financial and logistical challenges involved in completing the project without significant external support.
The establishment of a technical committee represents a structured approach to addressing the encroachment crisis and charting a path forward for the secretariat’s completion. Such committees are typically composed of party stalwarts, technical experts, and sometimes legal advisers who can navigate the complexities of land disputes and construction management.
Land encroachment has become an increasingly common challenge across Nigeria, particularly in rapidly urbanizing areas where property boundaries are poorly documented or inadequately protected. In many cases, abandoned or partially completed projects become targets for illegal occupation, with individuals or groups taking advantage of perceived neglect or weak enforcement mechanisms.
For political parties, maintaining physical infrastructure such as secretariats is not merely a logistical concern but also a matter of symbolic importance. A functional, well-maintained headquarters signals organizational strength, financial stability, and political seriousness, qualities that can influence public perception and internal party cohesion.
The Kogi PDP chairman’s statement also reflects a broader effort to reposition the party ahead of the 2027 general elections. Gambo expressed confidence that the PDP is poised to reclaim its prominent position in Kogi politics, suggesting that the completion of the secretariat would serve as a tangible demonstration of the party’s renewed seriousness and organizational capacity.
“The 2027 elections will showcase the party’s seriousness and resolve in the state,” Gambo said, framing the secretariat project as part of a larger strategy to rebuild the party’s credibility and competitive edge.
