The Kabiru Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has formally adopted former President Goodluck Jonathan as its preferred candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
The meeting, held at the faction’s national secretariat in Area 10, Garki, Abuja, followed the cancellation of its earlier planned venue.
The event was attended by leaders of the faction, party loyalists and other stakeholders, some of whom were later attacked by suspected thugs while attempting to assess the situation at the originally scheduled venue, the A-Class Event Centre.
Despite the disruption, the gathering continued at an alternative location where Bayelsa lawmaker, Fred Agbedi, an ally of former President Jonathan, received a certificate of return on his behalf.
The development followed claims by the faction that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, had directed hotels and event centres in Abuja not to host what were described as illegal political gatherings over security concerns, an action the Turaki-led faction alleges was targeted at its activities.
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The Turaki-led interim leadership of the PDP had earlier insisted on its legitimacy and called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to remain neutral in carrying out its responsibilities.
Tension later escalated when members of the faction returned to the original venue to inspect the situation and were reportedly attacked by hoodlums armed with clubs and machetes, forcing attendees to flee for safety.
The PDP has remained embroiled in internal crisis since losing power in 2015, with prolonged leadership disputes and widening divisions giving rise to multiple factions positioning separately ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Editor: Ada Ononye
