Police officers on Saturday barricaded roads leading to the venue of a special convention organised by a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to ratify former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
The faction, led by Kabiru Turaki, had scheduled the convention to hold at A-Class Park and Event Centre in Abuja despite opposition from the camp backed by Nyesom Wike. The development came a day after the Federal Capital Territory Administration directed event centres and public facilities to recognise only political party leaderships acknowledged by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Speaking on behalf of the faction, National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong said the party had fulfilled all requirements for the use of the venue and had notified relevant security agencies about the event. He insisted that the convention would proceed as planned, describing any attempt to suppress opposition activities as contrary to democratic principles.
However, reports indicated that the event was eventually relocated to another venue in Area 10, Abuja, following the police blockade of roads leading to the original location. The PDP remains divided into rival factions, with the Wike-backed group recognised by INEC.
