The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says it has affirmed former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election after what it described as the disruption of its Special National Convention in Abuja.
In a statement issued Saturday and signed by Comrade Ini Ememobong, national publicity secretary of the party’s Interim National Working Committee, the PDP alleged that security operatives obstructed the convention and that threats were made against the management of the planned venue.
The party said it had notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies of the convention and had secured the A Class Event Centre in Abuja for the gathering.
According to the PDP, the venue management later canceled the booking after allegedly receiving threats from Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike that the facility’s Certificate of Occupancy would be revoked if it hosted the event.
The party also alleged that the Federal Capital Territory Administration issued warnings to business owners against hosting events it considered unlawful.
The PDP further claimed that more than 20 truckloads of police officers were deployed around the venue on the eve of the convention, restricting access to the facility.
Following an emergency meeting involving members of the party’s Board of Trustees, Interim National Working Committee, National Executive Committee, state chairmen, governorship and National Assembly candidates, and other stakeholders, the PDP said it decided against confronting security personnel.
The party said senior members advised restraint, urging supporters to focus on winning elections rather than engaging in confrontation.
The PDP said a formal presentation and flag-off ceremony for Jonathan’s candidacy would be announced at a later date.
The opposition party condemned what it described as the abuse of state power by officials of the current administration, particularly the FCT minister, warning that such actions could undermine Nigeria’s democratic system.
It said the alleged disruption reflected what it called a shrinking space for opposition politics and accused the ruling party of attempting to suppress political competition.
The PDP also called on President Bola Tinubu to ease political tensions and ensure that all political parties are able to operate freely within the law.
Reaffirming its readiness for the 2027 elections, the party urged members to remain united and directed its Interim National Working Committee to intensify preparations for the polls while raising awareness locally and internationally about what it described as efforts to weaken opposition politics in Nigeria.
