The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faction led by Kabiru Turaki has insisted that its planned special convention to endorse former President Goodluck Jonathan as its 2027 presidential candidate will proceed as scheduled, despite mounting pressure linked to the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike.
The convention is slated for Saturday May 30, at A-Class Park and Event Centre in Abuja, where the faction says it intends to formally ratify Jonathan’s candidacy.
Tension around the event increased after the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), in a directive issued on Friday, May 29, instructed owners of hotels, event centres and other public facilities in Abuja to only deal with political parties recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The FCTA further warned that any facility used by what it termed “illegal organisations” for meetings or gatherings risked having its title documents withdrawn.
Reacting to the development, the PDP National Publicity Secretary of the Turaki faction, Ini Ememobong, said the administration had threatened to shut down the venue if it allows the event to hold.
He maintained that all necessary arrangements had been completed and that relevant authorities had been properly notified.
“We state here, and for the record, that we had furnished consideration in full to consummate the earlier offer and acceptance.
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“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 Ebele 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 also argued that the FCT Minister, Wike lacks constitutional authority to dictate or restrict lawful political activities within 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.
He urged party loyalists, supporters and stakeholders to turn out for the convention as planned, insisting the exercise would go on without disruption.