The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of attempting to frustrate its planned convention to ratify former President Goodluck Jonathan as the party’s presidential candidate.
In a statement issued on Friday by its Interim National Working Committee, the opposition party alleged that Wike threatened to shut down A Class Event Centre in Wuse 2, Abuja, if the venue proceeds with hosting the convention scheduled for Saturday, May 30, 2026.
The statement, signed by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, said the management of the event centre informed the party that pressure was being mounted on them to withdraw access to the facility.
According to the PDP, all necessary payments for the venue had already been made and the party fulfilled every required condition ahead of the event.
The party also stated that relevant security agencies had been officially notified about the planned gathering.
“The lawyers of the party have been directed to remind the management of A Class Event Centre of the subsisting contractual agreement between the centre and the PDP,” the statement said.
The PDP maintained that despite the alleged intimidation and threats, the convention to ratify Jonathan’s candidacy would go ahead as planned.
“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,” the party stated.
The opposition party argued that the FCT minister lacks constitutional authority to decide which political groups can hold events within the territory or determine the venues they can use.
It further described any move to block the convention as a dangerous attempt to silence opposition voices and undermine democratic principles.
The PDP subsequently called on members of its National Executive Committee, party leaders and stakeholders across the country to attend the convention without fear.
The latest development comes amid heightened political tension within the PDP, where rival factions continue to battle for the control and direction of the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
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Former President Goodluck Jonathan is reportedly being backed by one faction within the party, while another bloc is believed to enjoy the support of Wike.
Meanwhile, the Federal Capital Territory Administration had earlier issued a directive warning hotels, event centres and owners of public facilities in Abuja to deal only with political party leaderships recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The directive was contained in a statement issued by Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister.
According to the FCTA, the measure forms part of efforts to strengthen security within the Federal Capital Territory and prevent unlawful gatherings capable of threatening public peace.
“In view of the need to further ensure the security of lives and properties in the FCT and sustain the efforts of security agencies in this regard, usage of Event Centres, Hotels and other public buildings will now be closely monitored,” the statement read.
The administration warned operators of event centres and hotels to ensure they only transact with recognised political party leaderships, particularly during the current political season.
It also cautioned that non-compliance with the directive could attract sanctions, including the revocation of property titles.