The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Kabiru Turaki, says it will proceed with the special convention to ratify former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate for the 2027 elections, despite a threat from Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The party had set Saturday for the event, scheduled to be held at A-Class Park and Event Centre in Abuja.
But in a directive issued on Friday, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) directed owners of hotels, event centres and other public facilities in the nation’s capital to deal only with the leadership of political parties recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The administration also warned that any property used for gathering by “illegal organisations” risks losing its title documents.
The PDP is polarised into two factions, with the Wike-backed camp recognised by the electoral umpire.
‘WE’LL RESIST INTIMIDATION’
In a statement, Ini Ememobong, national publicity secretary of the Turaki PDP faction, said the FCTA has threatened to close the facility if it hosts the convention.
Ememobong said the party had already fulfilled all requirements for using the venue, adding that the event will be held as scheduled.
“We state here, and for the record, that we had furnished consideration in full to consummate the earlier offer and acceptance. Furthermore, we had duly notified all relevant security agencies about the event. We have directed our lawyers to write to A Class Event Centre, reminding them of these facts,” the statement reads.
“Having satisfied these requirements, we reiterate that the special convention to ratify the presidential candidature of President Goodluck Jonathan will hold as scheduled on Saturday, 30th May, 2026, at A-Class Event Centre, Wuse 2, Abuja, by 10 am.
“We are certain that Nigeria is a country governed by law, and any attempt to use force to suppress political dissent and opposition is an aberration which must be resisted by all people of good conscience.”
Ememobong said no law empowers the minister to determine which events should be held in Abuja.
“Such limitless powers are strange to a democratic republic, but available and operational only under an emperor — a title that President Tinubu has been struggling to deny,” he said.
Ememobong asked party members, leaders and stakeholders to attend the event on Saturday.
