The Interim National Working Committee (INWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, has insisted that it will proceed with plans to ratify former President Goodluck Jonathan as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election today.
This comes as the Nyesom Wike-led Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has warned that it may withdraw land titles from hotels or event centres that permit political groups not recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to use their facilities.
The PDP remains split into two rival factions, with the Wike-aligned camp currently recognised by INEC.
Previously, the Turaki-led faction fixed its special convention at A Class Event Centre in Abuja’s Wuse District for the formal ratification of Jonathan as its sole presidential candidate.
Meanwhile, responding to Wike’s warning, the party’s national publicity secretary, Ini Ememobong, disclosed that the management of A Class Event Centre informed them of threats by the minister to shut down the facility if it hosted the presidential candidate ratification gathering.
“We state here, and for the record, that we had furnished consideration in full to consummate the earlier offer and acceptance. Furthermore, we had duly notified all relevant security agencies about the event. We have directed our lawyers to write, reminding A Class Event Centre of these facts.
“Having satisfied these requirements, we reiterate that the special convention to ratify the presidential candidature of President Goodluck Jonathan will hold as scheduled on Saturday,” he said.
Ememobong maintained that Nigeria operates under the rule of law and argued that any effort to deploy force in suppressing political opposition and dissent was undemocratic and should be rejected by all well-meaning citizens.
“There is nowhere in our laws where the minister of the FCT is empowered to determine events that should be held and where they should be held. Such limitless powers are strange to a democratic republic but available and operational only under an emperor – a title that President Tinubu has been struggling to deny.”
He urged party leaders from across the states, members of the National Executive Council (NEC), and other key stakeholders to attend the event as planned.
Wike-aligned faction dismisses Jonathan endorsement move
Reacting, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faction headed by Abdulrahman Muhammed and supported by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike dismissed reports of a proposed convention to endorse former President Jonathan as the party’s presidential candidate, describing the claims as inaccurate and deceptive.
In a statement, the faction said it had taken note of “misleading information and unfounded reports” making the rounds, claiming that a convention had been arranged to endorse Jonathan.
According to the faction, no convention, meeting, or process of that nature had been fixed, authorised, or approved by any recognised organ or leadership structure of the PDP.
“We urge all party faithful, supporters, stakeholders and members of the general public to disregard such false information as it is misleading, unauthorised and intended to create confusion within the polity,” the statement reads.
The party’s national publicity secretary, Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, stated that the PDP had already concluded all primary elections for governorship positions, state assemblies, National Assembly seats, and the presidential ticket in accordance with INEC regulations, the Electoral Act, and the party constitution.
He also called on former President Goodluck Jonathan to publicly distance himself from what he termed a “charade” to safeguard both the democratic process and his personal legacy.
FCTA cautions hotels, event centres against hosting unrecognised groups
Meanwhile, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has cautioned owners of event centres, hotels, and other public facilities in the FCT against allowing illegal organisations to use their premises.
The warning was contained in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja by Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communication and Social Media.
The administration explained that lands allocated within the FCT were intended strictly for lawful activities and added that the use of event centres, hotels, and public facilities would henceforth be monitored more closely.
“Owners of these facilities are, therefore, urged to take cognisance of the legality of organisations seeking to use their facilities and the purpose before letting them out,” it stated.
The administration further advised facility owners and operators to grant access only to leaders of political parties recognised by INEC and to maintain proper records of all transactions.
