The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has named former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate for the 2027 election, after alleging its Special National Convention in Abuja was blocked by security forces.
PDP Interim National Working Committee (NWC) spokesperson Comrade Ini Ememobong said the party’s planned convention at the A Class Event Centre was cancelled after venue managers received threats over their Certificate of Occupancy (CofO).
The threats were allegedly linked to Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, the statement said on Saturday.
PDP said it had notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies in advance and secured the venue legally.
It also claimed the FCT Administration warned businesses against hosting "unlawful" events, and that more than 20 truckloads of police were deployed to the area on the eve of the convention, restricting access.
Following an emergency meeting of the Board of Trustees (BoT), National Executive Committee (NEC), state chairmen and other stakeholders, PDP leaders opted not to confront security operatives.
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Elder statesmen in the party advised restraint, urging members to focus on winning the election rather than clashing with authorities.
A formal presentation and flag-off for Jonathan will be held at a later date, the PDP said.
The party condemned what it called "the abuse of state power" by current administration officials, warning it could undermine democracy.
It accused the ruling party of shrinking space for opposition politics and called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure all parties operate freely.
The PDP said it remains ready for 2027 and has directed its Interim National Working Committee to step up preparations and raise awareness locally and internationally about what it termed efforts to weaken opposition politics.
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