How Police Flocked Factional PDP Out Of Event Centre For Jonathan’s Adoption For 2027

By Ayodele Oni

Less than 24 hours after issuing directives over usage of public buildings and events centres by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Police actually barricaded all access roads to the “A-Class” event centre in Abuja, the original venue of the proposed convention for the ratification of former President Goodluck Jonathan as the presidential candidate of a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Police vans were  deployed to the venue on Friday night, completely restricting access to the facility ahead of the event.

The blockage deprived access to both PDP members loyal to Turaki and other road users who have nothing to do with the planned convention.

The development follows a confrontation between the PDP faction backed by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

The Makinde-led group, which organised the special convention, had vowed to proceed with Jonathan’s endorsement despite warnings from the minister.

Wike-backed faction is currently recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

However, the Makinde-backed faction has continued to assert authenticity, citing a recent Supreme Court judgment on the suspension of leaders of the Wike’s faction.

Wike had previously issued a directive warning owners of hotels, event centres, and public facilities in Abuja against hosting events organised by political factions not officially recognised by INEC.

A statement by Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, defended the directive as a necessary security measure to prevent gatherings by unapproved groups that could disrupt public peace.

The minister threatened to revoke the land titles of any property violating the order.

In a counter-response before the venue was sealed, the Makinde-backed PDP faction accused Wike of using state power to suppress the opposition.

The group’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, confirmed that the management of the A-Class Event Centre has faced threats of a total business shutdown from Wike.