By Julius Nsikak
What was meant to be a major gathering of opposition politicians in Abuja on Saturday turned into a dramatic test of political resilience as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) accused the Federal Government of using state power to frustrate its Special National Convention.
The party claimed that its fully booked convention venue, A Class Event Centre in Abuja, abruptly cancelled its reservation after allegedly receiving threats from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. According to the PDP, the venue’s management was warned that its certificate of occupancy could be revoked and the facility demolished if it hosted the event.
The situation escalated on Friday evening when, according to the party, more than 20 truckloads of police officers were deployed around the event centre, effectively blocking access to the venue and surrounding roads. The development forced party leaders into an emergency meeting where they reassessed their options amid growing concerns over possible confrontations.
Rather than challenge the security presence, the PDP said it chose restraint. Party leaders revealed that elder statesmen appealed for calm, urging members not to engage in physical resistance despite what they described as provocation. The leaders argued that political battles should be fought through the ballot box rather than on the streets.
Despite the disruption, the party proceeded with its key agenda and unanimously affirmed former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate and flag bearer for the 2027 general election. The PDP said a formal presentation and flag handover ceremony would be held at a later date.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting and signed by the party’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the PDP condemned what it described as the “brazen use of power” by government officials. The party specifically accused Nyesom Wike of attempting to stifle opposition activities, while alleging that such actions enjoyed the backing of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The opposition party warned that suppressing political rivals could endanger Nigeria’s democratic system and encourage the emergence of a one party state. It maintained that its experiences had exposed what it called the ruling party’s fear of a revitalised opposition ahead of the next election cycle.
Calling on supporters to remain steadfast, the PDP declared itself united and fully mobilised for the 2027 elections. The party also tasked its Interim National Working Committee with intensifying public awareness efforts on what it termed the shrinking democratic space for opposition parties in Nigeria.
For many party members gathered in Abuja, the day was expected to be a celebration of political renewal. Instead, it became a symbol of the growing tensions shaping the country’s march towards the 2027 general elections.
