The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has announced the affirmation of former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, following what it described as efforts to frustrate its Special National Convention in Abuja.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the party’s Interim National Working Committee through its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong. The party alleged that plans for the convention were disrupted by security operatives and other actions that made it impossible for the event to proceed as scheduled.
According to the PDP, all necessary procedures were followed ahead of the convention. The party said it had formally informed the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, as well as relevant security agencies, and had secured the A Class Event Centre in Abuja as the venue for the gathering.
However, the party claimed that the management of the facility later withdrew its approval after allegedly coming under pressure. It specifically accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of threatening to revoke the centre’s Certificate of Occupancy if it allowed the event to hold.
The PDP also alleged that the Federal Capital Territory Administration issued warnings to business owners against hosting activities it considered unauthorized. It further claimed that more than 20 truckloads of police personnel were deployed around the venue on the eve of the convention, creating restrictions that prevented members and delegates from gaining access.
Faced with the situation, the party said it convened an emergency meeting involving members of its Board of Trustees, the Interim National Working Committee, the National Executive Committee, state chairmen, governorship and National Assembly candidates, alongside other stakeholders.
Following extensive deliberations, the party said it decided against any form of confrontation with security agencies. According to the PDP, respected leaders within the party advised members to remain calm and avoid actions that could lead to conflict, stressing that their focus should remain on winning elections rather than engaging in unnecessary disputes.
Despite the disruption, the party said the decision to affirm Jonathan as its presidential candidate was reached and remains valid. It added that a formal presentation and campaign flag off ceremony for the former president would be announced at a later date.
The PDP strongly criticized what it described as the misuse of state institutions by officials of the current administration, particularly the FCT minister. The party warned that such actions could pose a threat to Nigeria’s democratic process if allowed to continue unchecked.
It further argued that the events surrounding the convention reflected increasing challenges facing opposition politics in the country. According to the party, attempts to limit the activities of opposition groups could weaken democratic competition and reduce political inclusiveness.
The opposition party also called on President Bola Tinubu to take steps aimed at easing political tensions and ensuring that all registered political parties are allowed to operate freely within the framework of the law.
Reaffirming its commitment to the 2027 election, the PDP urged its members across the country to remain united and focused. It also directed its Interim National Working Committee to intensify preparations for the polls while increasing awareness both within and outside Nigeria about what it described as growing efforts to undermine opposition politics.
