Turaki-led PDP changes Abuja convention venue after police barricade and ratifies Jonathan as 2027 presidential candidate

The Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party has reportedly changed the venue of its convention and proceeded to ratify former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

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The development followed police barricades that blocked access to the originally booked A-Class Hotel in Abuja, preventing delegates from entering the venue for the planned convention. The event, which reportedly lasted less than 20 minutes, saw Fred Agbedi, an ally of Jonathan, receive the certificate on behalf of the former president.

Other party figures present included Prof. Jerry Gana, Tanimu Turaki and Adolphus Wabara, alongside other loyalists of the Turaki-led faction. Police had earlier deployed multiple vehicles to block access roads leading from the Wuse and Maitama axis into the initial venue, effectively restricting entry to both party members and other road users.

The move came after warnings attributed to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, who reportedly cautioned hotels and event centres against hosting what he described as unauthorised political gatherings in the FCT.

The PDP faction had accused Wike of attempting to frustrate its planned convention, alleging pressure was mounted on the venue management to cancel the booking despite full payment and compliance with requirements. The party maintained that it had fulfilled all conditions for the event and notified security agencies ahead of the scheduled date.

It also insisted that the convention would go ahead despite what it described as attempts at intimidation, underscoring the ongoing political tensions within the party in Abuja.