•Goodluck Ebele Jonathan
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced the affirmation of former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, following what it described as disruptions to its Special National Convention in Abuja.
In a statement signed by Comrade Ini Ememobong, National Publicity Secretary of the party’s Interim National Working Committee, today, the PDP alleged that its planned convention was obstructed through the deployment of security personnel and threats directed at the venue management.
According to the party, it had duly notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies of its activities and had secured the A Class Event Centre in Abuja for the convention, reports Saturday Guardian.
The PDP claimed that the management of the event centre later cancelled the booking after allegedly receiving threats from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, that the facility’s Certificate of Occupancy could be revoked if it hosted the event.
The party further alleged that the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) issued statements warning business premises against hosting events it considered unlawful.
It also claimed that more than 20 truckloads of police officers were deployed to the area on the eve of the convention, effectively restricting access to the venue.
Following an emergency meeting involving members of the Board of Trustees, the Interim National Working Committee, the National Executive Committee, state chairmen, governorship and National Assembly candidates, and other stakeholders, the party said it resolved not to confront security operatives.
The PDP said elder statesmen within the party advised against any physical resistance, urging members to demonstrate restraint and focus on electoral victory rather than confrontation.
The party added that a formal presentation and flag-off ceremony for the candidate would be held at a later date.
The PDP 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 if left unchecked.
It argued that the alleged disruption reflected growing concerns about the shrinking space for opposition politics and accused the ruling party of attempting to stifle political competition.
The opposition party also called on President Bola Tinubu to take steps to reduce political tensions and ensure that all political parties are allowed to operate freely within the bounds of the law.
Reaffirming its readiness for the 2027 elections, the PDP urged its members to remain united and committed to the party’s objectives, while directing its Interim National Working Committee to intensify preparations for the polls and raise awareness locally and internationally about what it termed efforts to weaken opposition politics in Nigeria.
