A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by former Minister of Special Duties Tanimu Turaki on Saturday ratified former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election after relocating its convention venue following a police blockade.
The convention, initially scheduled to hold at the A-Class Event Centre in Abuja, was moved after police vehicles blocked access roads leading to the facility, preventing delegates and party members from entering.
Despite the disruption, the convention proceeded at an alternative venue and lasted less than 20 minutes. Former Bayelsa lawmaker Fred Agbedi, an ally of Jonathan, received the party's nomination certificate on behalf of the former president.
Prominent figures at the gathering included Jerry Gana, Tanimu Turaki and Adolphus Wabara.
The development followed a warning issued on Friday by Nyesom Wike, who urged hotels and event centres in the Federal Capital Territory not to host what he described as illegal political gatherings due to security concerns.
Ahead of the convention, the PDP accused Wike of attempting to frustrate the event, alleging that pressure had been mounted on the management of the rented venue despite the party having fulfilled all contractual obligations.
The party said security agencies had been formally notified of the convention and insisted the gathering would hold regardless of what it described as intimidation efforts.
"We have paid for the venue and met all requirements," the party said in an earlier statement, adding that the convention would proceed as planned.
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