Police Seal Off Abuja Venue as PDP Faction Holds Controversial Jonathan 2027 Presidential Ratification Convention

Security operatives on Saturday reportedly sealed off and barricaded roads leading to the A-Class Park and Event Centre in Abuja, the scheduled venue for a special convention organized by a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The faction, reportedly led by Kabiru Turaki, had convened the event to ratify former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

Eyewitness accounts indicate that police officers were deployed early to strategic points around the venue, restricting movement and preventing delegates and attendees from gaining access to the facility.

Despite the restriction, reports suggest the faction proceeded with its planned activities, claiming to have affirmed Jonathan as the party’s presidential candidate. However, the former president was reportedly absent from the event and has not publicly declared any intention to contest in the 2027 election.

According to organizers, a certificate of return was issued and handed to Hon. Fred Agbedi, a serving member of the House of Representatives from Bayelsa State, to hold in trust pending Jonathan’s possible decision on whether to enter the race.

The development has generated widespread reactions, particularly on social media, where critics questioned the legitimacy of ratifying a candidate who has not formally declared interest in the race.

Supporters of Jonathan, however, insist that consultations and political pressure from some party stakeholders may be ongoing, though no official confirmation has been made by the former president or his known associates.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no formal statement from the Nigeria Police Force or the PDP national leadership regarding the sealing of the venue or the outcome of the factional convention.

The incident adds another layer to the growing internal tensions within the PDP as political alignments begin to take shape ahead of the 2027 general elections.