A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki, has declared that it will not be deterred by what it describes as efforts to frustrate its political activities ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The group maintained that plans to ratify former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate would proceed despite alleged attempts to disrupt the process.
Speaking in a statement issued in Abuja, the faction’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, alleged that the management of A Class Event Centre informed the group of threats purportedly made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
According to Ememobong, the minister allegedly warned that the facility could face closure if it hosted the faction’s presidential candidate ratification event.
He said the group had already fulfilled all requirements for the venue, including full payment and notification of relevant security agencies.
“We completed payment for the venue and complied with all necessary procedures. Our legal team has been directed to remind the management of the event centre of these obligations,” he said.
Ememobong insisted that the special convention to ratify Jonathan’s candidature would hold as planned at the A Class Event Centre in Wuse 2, Abuja.
He described the alleged action as an attempt to suppress opposing political views through intimidation, arguing that no law grants the FCT Minister authority to determine which political gatherings can take place at private venues.
According to him, such actions are inconsistent with democratic principles and political freedom.
The faction also called on party stakeholders, members of the National Executive Committee and leaders across the states to attend the event.
Meanwhile, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) recently cautioned operators of hotels, event centres and similar facilities against allowing their premises to be used by organisations it described as illegal, warning that violators could risk sanctions, including revocation of property titles.
In a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister, Lere Olayinka, the administration said the directive forms part of broader efforts to strengthen security and support law enforcement operations within the capital.
The FCTA further advised venue operators to transact only with political party leaderships officially recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), while maintaining proper records of such engagements.
Despite the controversy, the Turaki-led faction reiterated its commitment to proceeding with its planned activities, insisting that political disagreements should be resolved through democratic engagement rather than pressure or restrictions.