PDP Relocates Event, Confirms Jonathan As 2027 Presidential Candidate

A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Tanimu Turaki has formally endorsed former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election following a last-minute change of venue for its special convention in Abuja.

According to reports, the faction was compelled to relocate the event after security operatives sealed off the A-Class Event Centre, which had initially been selected to host the convention. Despite the disruption, members of the group proceeded with the gathering at an alternative location, where Jonathan’s candidacy was swiftly ratified.

The convention reportedly lasted less than 20 minutes, with a close associate of the former president, Fred Agbedi, receiving the certificate of endorsement on Jonathan’s behalf. The former president was not present at the event.

The motion seeking Jonathan’s ratification was moved by Tony Aziegbemi, chairman of the faction’s Forum of State Chairmen, and seconded by former Aviation Minister Senator Sanusi Daggash. Several prominent figures aligned with the Turaki-led faction, including Prof. Jerry Gana and Adolphus Wabara, were also in attendance.

The endorsement followed heightened security measures around the original venue earlier in the day. Police officers reportedly deployed patrol vehicles along access roads leading to the event centre, restricting movement to the facility from both the Wuse and Maitama districts of the Federal Capital Territory.

The development came shortly after the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, warned owners of hotels, event centres and other public facilities against hosting activities organised by groups or party factions not officially recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). In a statement issued through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the minister maintained that only recognised political bodies should be permitted to use public venues within the FCT for political engagements.