Police Block Abuja Venue as PDP Faction Moves Convention, Ratifies Jonathan for 2027
Armed police officers on Saturday prevented access to the A-Class Event Centre in Abuja, where a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by former Minister of Special Duties, Kabiru Turaki, had planned to hold a special national convention to ratify former President Goodluck Jonathan as its sole presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
Security operatives barricaded the venue with patrol vehicles and blocked major access roads leading to the event centre from the Wuse and Maitama districts, effectively stopping party members and delegates from entering the premises.
The development came a day after the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) warned event centres, hotels, and public facilities against hosting political activities organised by factions of political parties not recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The administration also warned that facilities found violating the directive could risk losing their land titles.
Despite the disruption, the Turaki-led PDP faction proceeded with its convention after relocating to a private apartment in Owo Close, Area 10, Garki, Abuja.
At the new venue, party leaders hurriedly conducted the ratification exercise. The motion to adopt Jonathan as the party’s sole presidential candidate was moved by the Chairman of the Forum of PDP State Chairmen, Tony Aziegbemi, and seconded by former Aviation Minister, Sanusi Dagash.
Aziegbemi said the party had completed its primary processes across the country and had collectively agreed to present Jonathan as its flag bearer for the 2027 presidential election.
Delegates overwhelmingly endorsed the motion, leading to the formal ratification of Jonathan’s candidacy.
The former president, however, did not attend the convention. Instead, a Certificate of Return was presented to Bayelsa lawmaker Fred Agbedi, who was tasked with delivering it to Jonathan on behalf of the party faction.
Several prominent PDP figures attended the gathering, including Chairman of the party’s Board of Trustees, Adolphus Wabara, elder statesman Jerry Gana, and the PDP’s Oyo State governorship candidate, Taofeek Arapaja.
The PDP remains divided between two rival factions. One faction, led by Abdulrahman Mohammed and backed by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, is recognised by INEC and has nominated former Senator Sandy Onor as its presidential candidate. The rival faction, led by Turaki, has adopted Jonathan as its candidate, further deepening the party’s internal crisis ahead of the 2027 general election.
