The Tanimu Turaki-led Interim National Working Committee (INWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has vowed to proceed with its scheduled convention to ratify former President Goodluck Jonathan as the party’s 2027 presidential candidate, despite alleged threats of intimidation.
The faction’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Ini Ememobong, stated in a Friday release that the group had been informed by the management of A Class Event Centre in Wuse 2, Abuja, that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, allegedly threatened to shut down the venue if the event went ahead.
Ememobong said all due payments were settled, and security agencies had been properly notified ahead of the convention. “We have fulfilled all requirements, and the special convention will take place as scheduled on Saturday, May 30, at 10 a.m.,” he said.
He criticized the minister’s directive as an overreach of authority, claiming it amounted to an attempt to suppress political dissent and opposition. “The law does not empower the Minister of the FCT to dictate which political events occur and where,” Ememobong added.
The INWC invited state party leaders, National Executive Committee members, and other stakeholders to attend the convention as planned.
Earlier, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) issued a statement warning hotel and event centre owners to ensure that only INEC-recognized political party leaderships use their facilities. The directive, according to the FCTA, is intended to strengthen security in the capital during the politically active pre-election period.
The FCTA also emphasized the importance of maintaining proper transaction records for venue usage, in line with ongoing efforts to safeguard lives and property in Abuja during the election season.
