The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially affirmed former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election. This decision was announced following what the party described as significant disruptions to its Special National Convention, which was scheduled to take place in Abuja.
In a statement released on Saturday, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the National Publicity Secretary of the party's Interim National Working Committee, alleged that the convention was obstructed through the deployment of security personnel and threats directed at the venue management. According to the PDP, it had duly notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies about its planned activities and had secured the A Class Event Centre in Abuja for the convention.
The party 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. It was alleged that Wike warned that the facility's Certificate of Occupancy could be revoked if it hosted the event. Furthermore, the PDP accused the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) of issuing statements cautioning business premises against hosting events considered unlawful.
Additionally, the party asserted 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 that included 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 PDP resolved not to confront security operatives.
The PDP noted that 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 strongly condemned what it described as the abuse of state power by officials of the current administration, particularly the FCT minister. It warned that such actions could undermine Nigeria's democratic system if left unchecked. The party 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. It directed 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.
