Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has affirmed former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, despite what it described as efforts by authorities to frustrate its Special National Convention in Abuja.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the convention on Saturday, the party alleged that its planned gathering was disrupted after the management of the A-Class Event Centre reportedly withdrew access to the venue under pressure from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
According to the PDP, the venue had been fully paid for and all necessary notifications had been sent to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies ahead of the event.
The party claimed that the event centre management later informed it that the booking had been cancelled after receiving threats that the facility’s Certificate of Occupancy could be revoked and the premises demolished if the convention was allowed to proceed.
The PDP further alleged that the Federal Capital Territory Administration reinforced the threat through a public statement warning business premises against hosting events it considered unlawful.
The opposition party also claimed that by the evening of May 29, a heavy deployment of security personnel had effectively sealed off access to the venue.
“By 7 p.m. on Friday, 29th May, more than 20 truckloads of policemen were deployed to block the entire road where the event centre is located, forcing motorists to drive against traffic,” the statement said.
Faced with the situation, party leaders convened an emergency meeting involving members of the Board of Trustees, the Interim National Working Committee, National Executive Committee members, state chairmen, governorship candidates, National Assembly candidates and other stakeholders.
After reviewing developments, the gathering resolved not to confront security operatives or attempt to force its way into the venue.
The party said elder statesmen advised restraint, urging members to avoid actions that could escalate tensions.
Explaining the decision, the communiqué quoted the elders as saying: “When a mad person runs away with your cloth, you do not chase the deranged person naked; otherwise, those who see the chase will simply conclude that two mad people are running.”
Despite the disruption, the PDP said stakeholders proceeded with the core objective of the convention and unanimously affirmed Jonathan as the party’s presidential flag bearer for the 2027 election.
“President Goodluck Jonathan was unanimously affirmed, after a motion was duly moved and seconded, as the presidential candidate and flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party for the 2027 presidential election,” the communiqué stated.
The party added that the formal presentation of the candidate and flag-giving ceremony would be scheduled for 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, alleging that the actions were carried out with the backing of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Party leaders warned that unchecked political intimidation could undermine Nigeria’s democratic system.
“They opined that if left unchecked, full blown dictatorship will sprout within a democracy, which eventually may lead to the collapse of democracy,” the statement noted.
The opposition party argued that the events surrounding the convention reflected growing fears within the ruling establishment about the PDP’s electoral prospects.
“This shameful oppression has validated the widely perceived fear of the PDP by the ruling party,” the communiqué said.
The PDP also called on President Tinubu to reduce political tensions ahead of the 2027 elections.
“We call on the President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to rein in his fear of impending loss and take practical steps to deescalate the political tensions which have been an unwarranted addition to the already heightened political temperature in the country,” the party stated.
The party urged its members nationwide to remain committed and united despite the challenges.
“We call on all our party members to remain steadfast and committed to the ideals of our party, conscious that very soon this battle will be over, and we will be more than conquerors,” the statement added.
Concluding the convention, the PDP declared itself united and prepared for the 2027 elections, while directing its Interim National Working Committee to intensify preparations for the polls and raise awareness locally and internationally about what it described as attempts to weaken opposition politics and promote a one-party state.
“With the affirmation of our presidential candidate, we are now ready for the 2027 general elections,” the party declared.
