The Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in what it described as a growing threat to democratic freedoms following the disruption of its convention in Abuja.
The convention, originally scheduled to hold on Saturday at the A-Class Event Centre, was reportedly disrupted by officers of the Nigeria Police Force, forcing organisers to relocate the gathering to an alternative venue.
The event was convened to ratify former President Goodluck Jonathan as the faction’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
Although Jonathan was absent, he was represented by his ally, Fred Agbedi, who participated in the proceedings on his behalf.
During the brief ceremony, Jonathan was formally cleared to contest the 2027 presidential election, with his certificate later presented to Agbedi.
Prominent figures at the event included Prof. Jerry Gana, Tanimu Turaki, Adolphus Wabara and other party stakeholders aligned with the faction.
In a statement issued after the gathering, which lasted less than 20 minutes, the faction condemned the police action and described the blockade of the original venue as an attack on democratic rights.
“This shameful oppression has validated the widely perceived fear of the PDP by the ruling party,” the statement said.
The faction argued that other political parties facing internal leadership disputes had conducted conventions without interference, alleging that the PDP was being unfairly targeted.
“Whereas other parties with leadership issues similar to ours have conducted their conventions without threats from the ruling party, the PDP is too feared to be allowed the constitutionally guaranteed right to meet,” the statement added.
The controversy follows a directive issued by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, warning hotels and event centres against hosting gatherings organised by what he described as illegal political groups or unrecognised organisations.
The PDP faction had earlier accused Wike of attempting to frustrate its planned convention through the directive.
In its latest reaction, the party condemned what it described as the misuse of governmental authority and alleged that the actions enjoyed the backing of the presidency.
The faction warned that suppressing opposition activities could undermine democratic institutions and deepen political tensions in the country.
It further urged President Tinubu to take steps to address the situation and safeguard democratic freedoms, warning that unchecked political intimidation could have serious consequences for Nigeria’s democracy.
