PDP Changes Venue, Ratifies Jonathan As 2027 Presidential Candidate

The faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Tanimu Turaki has changed the venue of its planned special convention to ratify former President Goodluck Jonathan as its 2027 presidential candidate.

Naija News reports that the Turaki-led PDP changed the venue after the police sealed off the A-Class Event Centre in Abuja, the earlier proposed venue of a special convention.

Following the change of venue, the PDP faction briskly ratified Jonathan as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

The event, which did not last more than 20 minutes, had an ally of Jonathan, Fred Agbedi, who received the certificate on behalf of the former president.

Naija News reports that Jonathan himself did not attend the event.

The motion for ratification was moved by the chairman of the faction’s Forum of State Chairmen, Tony Aziegbemi and was seconded by a one-time former Aviation Minister, Senator Sanusi Daggash.

Other dignitaries present at the event included Prof Jerry Gana, Adolphus Wabara, and several others who are loyal to the Turaki faction of the PDP.

As earlier reported by Naija News, the police on Saturday blocked access to the venue selected for a planned special convention organised by a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Police officers stationed several patrol vehicles along the roads leading to the event centre, effectively shutting down access to the facility. The blockade covered the routes connecting the venue from both the Wuse and Maitama areas of Abuja.

The action of security operatives followed an earlier threat on Friday by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, who warned hotels, event centres, and owners of public facilities against allowing their premises to be used by what he described as illegal organisations.

In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the Minister stressed party factions not recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must not be allowed to use venues in the FCT for their activities.