Turaki-Led PDP Affirms Jonathan as 2027 Presidential Candidate Amid Venue Disruption

Our Reporter 

The faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by former Minister of Special Duties, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, on Saturday affirmed former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election despite disruptions that forced the party to relocate its planned special convention in Abuja.

The affirmation took place at an undisclosed venue after the faction abandoned its original convention location, which it alleged was blocked by security agencies acting on directives linked to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

The event, tagged a "Special National Convention," was attended by members of the party's interim leadership, state chairmen, candidates, and other stakeholders. 

Jonathan, who was absent from the gathering, was represented by Bayelsa lawmaker, Fred Agbedi.

In resolutions issued after the meeting, the Turaki-led PDP said it had duly notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies of its planned convention and had secured a venue before the arrangement was allegedly disrupted.

According to the party, management of the event centre cancelled its booking following alleged threats that the facility could face sanctions if it allowed the convention to proceed. 

The faction also claimed that a heavy deployment of police officers blocked access to the area housing the venue.

Party leaders said they subsequently held an emergency meeting and decided against confronting security personnel, citing appeals from elder statesmen who urged restraint.

Despite the setback, the stakeholders proceeded with the central objective of the gathering—the affirmation of Jonathan as the party's standard-bearer for the next presidential election.

The resolution stated: "Since the main activity of the day is the affirmation of President Goodluck Jonathan, the stakeholders continued with the plan and 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 faction added that a formal presentation and campaign flag-off ceremony for Jonathan would be announced at a later date.

The Turaki-led PDP condemned what it described as the use of state power to frustrate its activities and accused certain government officials of attempting to suppress opposition politics. 

It also called on President Bola Tinubu to take steps to reduce political tensions across the country.

The party urged its members nationwide to remain steadfast and committed as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.

Meanwhile, the FCTA had, a day earlier, warned owners of hotels, event centres and other public facilities against permitting their premises to be used by what it termed illegal organisations.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister, Lere Olayinka, the administration said property owners who allow unlawful groups to use their facilities risk losing their land titles.

The statement noted that the measure forms part of efforts to strengthen security within the Federal Capital Territory and support ongoing operations by security agencies.

The FCTA specifically advised operators of hotels and event centres to ensure that only leaderships of political parties recognised by INEC are allowed to use their facilities during the current political season.

It warned that any facility found hosting activities of organisations operating outside the law would face severe sanctions, including the revocation of property titles.

The development comes amid increasing political realignments and preparations by political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.