The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, alleging that its Special National Convention in Abuja was disrupted through state-backed interference.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the party’s Interim National Working Committee (INWC), the PDP claimed that security agencies and officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) frustrated plans for the convention despite prior notification to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and relevant security authorities.
According to the party, it had secured the A Class Event Centre in Abuja for the exercise before the venue management abruptly withdrew its approval. The PDP alleged that the decision followed threats from FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who reportedly warned that the facility’s Certificate of Occupancy could be revoked if it hosted the gathering.
The opposition party further claimed that the FCTA issued warnings to business owners against accommodating events deemed unlawful, while more than 20 truckloads of police personnel were deployed around the convention venue, effectively preventing delegates and party members from gaining access.
Faced with the situation, the PDP said it convened an emergency meeting involving members of its Board of Trustees, Interim National Working Committee, National Executive Committee, state chairmen, governorship and National Assembly candidates, as well as other stakeholders.
The party said senior leaders advised against any confrontation with security operatives, urging members to remain peaceful and focus on preparations for the 2027 elections.
Despite the disruption, the PDP announced that it had affirmed former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate and stated that a formal presentation and campaign flag-off ceremony would be conducted at a later date.
The party condemned what it described as the misuse of state institutions to suppress opposition politics, warning that such actions could erode democratic norms and undermine political pluralism in Nigeria.
It also accused the ruling party of attempting to weaken opposition forces ahead of the next general election and called on President Bola Tinubu to take steps to ease political tensions and guarantee a level playing field for all political parties.
Reaffirming its readiness for the 2027 contest, the PDP urged its members nationwide to remain united, disciplined, and committed to securing electoral victory while intensifying mobilisation efforts across the country.