The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of attempting to halt its planned event in Abuja, where former President Goodluck Jonathan is expected to be affirmed as the party’s presidential candidate.
In a statement issued on Friday, the party said the management of A Class Event Centre informed it that pressure was being mounted on the venue to stop the gathering from taking place.
The PDP said it had already paid for the venue and fulfilled all conditions required for the programme.
The party also said security agencies had been notified of the convention scheduled for Saturday, May 30, 2026, in Wuse 2, Abuja.
According to the statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the PDP has instructed its lawyers to remind the event centre of the subsisting agreement signed with the party.
The party insisted that the convention would proceed despite what it described as intimidation.
“We are certain that Nigeria is a country governed by law, and any attempt to use force to suppress political dissent and opposition is an aberration which must be resisted by all people of good conscience,” the statement read.
The PDP also argued that the FCT minister lacks constitutional authority to determine which political meetings may be held in Abuja or where they should take place.
It described any attempt to stop the event as undemocratic and urged its leaders and members nationwide to attend as planned.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) had directed owners of hotels, event centres and public facilities in Abuja to deal only with political party leadership recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The administration also warned that properties used by what it described as illegal organisations could risk losing their land titles.
The directive was contained in a statement by Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to Wike.
According to the statement, the policy is intended to improve security in Abuja and prevent public facilities from being used for activities that could threaten public peace.
