Former President Goodluck Jonathan has been endorsed as the presidential candidate of the Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 general election following a convention marked by controversy and a last-minute venue change in Abuja.
The political gathering, which took place on Saturday, was relocated after police officers blocked access to the original venue, forcing organisers to move proceedings to an alternative location where Jonathan’s nomination was swiftly ratified.
The convention, which lasted less than 20 minutes, culminated in the presentation of the party’s presidential nomination certificate. The document was received on Jonathan’s behalf by one of his political associates, Fred Agbedi.
Several prominent figures aligned with the Turaki faction attended the event, including Professor Jerry Gana, former Minister of Special Duties Tanimu Turaki, former Senate President Adolphus Wabara and other party loyalists.
The dramatic turn of events began when members of the faction arrived at the A-Class Event Centre in Abuja, which had initially been secured for the convention.
However, access to the venue was completely restricted after police vehicles were stationed across the two major roads leading into the premises from both the Wuse and Maitama areas of the Federal Capital Territory.
The blockade prevented delegates, party members and even unrelated motorists from reaching the location.
Faced with the restriction, organisers quickly moved the gathering to another venue, where party business was concluded in a brief session.
The development came barely a day after the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, , warned hotels and event centres against allowing what he described as illegal political organisations to use their facilities, citing security concerns within the FCT.
Reacting to the disruption, the Turaki-led PDP accused Wike of attempting to frustrate the planned convention.
In a statement issued before the event, the faction claimed that the management of the A-Class Event Centre informed party officials that external pressure was being applied to stop the gathering from holding.
According to the group, all contractual obligations for the venue had already been fulfilled and payment had been completed before the sudden development.
The party further stated that relevant security agencies had been formally notified about the convention long before the scheduled date.
Despite the challenges, party leaders maintained that the event would go ahead as planned and insisted they would not be intimidated.
Following the relocation, delegates proceeded with the convention and formally endorsed former President as the faction’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
Although Jonathan was absent from the event, his nomination was unanimously ratified by party members present.
Fred Agbedi received the certificate on behalf of the former president, while party elders and stakeholders applauded the decision.
Professor was also present during the presentation ceremony, which effectively concluded the convention.
Saturday’s events further highlighted the deepening divisions within the opposition party as competing factions continue to battle for influence ahead of the next election cycle.
The convention and the circumstances surrounding it have added another layer of controversy to the ongoing leadership struggles within the PDP, with rival groups advancing different political agendas and alliances.
For the Turaki-led bloc, however, the successful ratification of Jonathan’s candidacy represented a significant political statement despite the logistical setbacks and security restrictions encountered earlier in the day.
The faction insists that its actions remain in line with its vision for the party and its preparations for the 2027 presidential contest.
With Jonathan now adopted as its presidential flagbearer, attention is expected to shift toward how the faction plans to consolidate support and navigate the broader political landscape ahead of the next general election.
