Fresh controversy has erupted within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after security operatives sealed the venue scheduled for the endorsement and ratification of former President Goodluck Jonathan as the presidential candidate of a faction of the party ahead of the 2027 general election.
The development has further exposed the deepening divisions within the opposition party, with rival camps trading accusations over the legitimacy of the planned convention and the future direction of the PDP.
The event, which was expected to hold at the A-Class Event Centre in Wuse 2, Abuja, was reportedly disrupted on Friday night when security personnel moved in and sealed the facility, preventing organisers and delegates from gaining access to the venue.
The convention was being organised by a PDP faction aligned with Oyo State governor Seyi Makinde and led by former Minister of Special Duties, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki. The group had planned to formally endorse Jonathan as its preferred presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
The sealing of the venue came amid mounting tension following strong opposition from supporters of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who rejected the proposed endorsement and described the planned gathering as unauthorised.
The Wike-backed camp had earlier urged Jonathan to distance himself from the exercise, insisting that the convention lacked the approval of the party structures it recognised as legitimate.
