The Kabiru Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has vowed to proceed with its special convention to ratify former President Goodluck Jonathan as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election, despite threats from the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
The convention is scheduled to hold on Saturday at the A-Class Park and Event Centre in Abuja.
The development follows a directive issued on Friday by the FCTA, under the leadership of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, instructing owners of hotels, event centres and other public facilities in Abuja to transact only with political party leaderships recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The administration also warned that any property used by what it described as “illegal organisations” could risk losing its title documents.
The PDP is currently divided into rival factions, with the camp backed by Wike recognised by INEC.
Reacting in a statement, the Turaki faction’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, alleged that the FCTA had threatened to shut down the venue if it hosted the convention.
He maintained that the party had met all conditions required for the use of the facility and would not be deterred.
“We state here, and for the record, that we had furnished consideration in full to consummate the earlier offer and acceptance. 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.
“Having satisfied these requirements, we reiterate that the special convention to ratify the presidential candidature of President Goodluck 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 argued that no law grants the FCT minister the authority to determine which political events can take place in 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 subsequently urged party members, leaders and stakeholders to attend the convention as scheduled.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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