The faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Tanimu Turaki has declared that it will not bow to any form of intimidation as it gears up for the general elections slated for the following year. This firm stance was communicated through a statement released by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememongob, on Friday.
Ememongob disclosed that the party had been alerted by the management of A Class Event Centre regarding a threat from Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. According to the report, Wike allegedly warned that the business premises would be shut down if the PDP were permitted to hold its presidential candidate ratification ceremony there.
The statement emphasized, We make it clear, and for the record, that we have fully paid for the venue to finalize the earlier agreement. Moreover, we have officially informed all relevant security agencies about the event. Our legal team has been instructed to write to A Class Event Centre, reminding them of these facts. Having met these conditions, we affirm that the special convention to confirm the presidential candidacy of President Goodluck Jonathan will proceed as planned on Saturday, 30th May 2026, at A Class Event Centre, Wuse 2, Abuja, starting at 10 a.m.
We are confident that Nigeria operates under the rule of law. Any attempt to employ force to stifle political dissent and opposition represents a deviation from democratic norms and must be opposed by all individuals of good conscience. The statement further argued that there is no legal provision granting the Minister of the FCT the authority to decide which events can take place and where. Such unchecked powers are alien to a democratic republic and would only be fitting under an emperor—a label that President Tinubu has been striving to avoid.
We extend an invitation to party leaders from across the states, members of the National Executive Committee, and other key stakeholders to attend the event as scheduled, the statement concluded.