PDP affirms Jonathan as 2027 presidential candidate in absentia, alleges persecution

Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has affirmed former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, despite what it described as attempts to frustrate its Special National Convention in Abuja.

The party announced the decision in a statement issued on Saturday by its Interim National Working Committee through the National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong.

According to the PDP, the convention was scheduled to hold at the A Class Event Centre in Abuja after the party had notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and completed all venue arrangements.

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The party alleged that the management of the event centre later cancelled the booking after receiving threats from officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

The PDP specifically accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of threatening the venue operators with the revocation of their Certificate of Occupancy and demolition of the facility if the event was allowed to proceed.

The party further alleged that more than 20 truckloads of police personnel were deployed around the venue on Friday night, blocking access roads and disrupting movement in the area.

Following the development, PDP leaders convened an emergency meeting involving members of the Board of Trustees, the Interim National Working Committee, National Executive Committee members, state chairmen, governorship and National Assembly candidates, as well as other stakeholders.

The party said it decided against confronting security personnel at the venue after appeals from senior party leaders, who urged members to avoid actions that could escalate tensions.

According to the statement, stakeholders agreed to proceed with the primary objective of the convention, which was the affirmation of Jonathan as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election.

The PDP said Jonathan was unanimously endorsed following the adoption of a motion by delegates, while formal presentation and flag-off ceremonies would be scheduled at a later date.

The party condemned what it described as the use of state power to suppress opposition activities and warned that such actions could undermine democratic governance if left unchecked.

It also alleged that the ruling party viewed the PDP as a major political threat, insisting that other political parties facing internal challenges had been allowed to conduct their conventions without interference.

The opposition party called on President Bola Tinubu to take steps to reduce political tensions in the country and ensure a level playing field for all political actors.

In its conclusion, the PDP declared itself united and prepared for the 2027 elections, directing its Interim National Working Committee to intensify preparations for the polls and increase public awareness on what it described as growing threats to opposition politics in Nigeria.

The Federal Government and the Federal Capital Territory Administration had not responded to the allegations at the time of filing this report.