Jonathan's Presidential Ratification Overshadowed by Disruption at PDP Convention
By Obioma Azure Darlington
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
The national convention organized by the interim National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, was disrupted on Saturday after a group of unidentified individuals reportedly invaded the venue in Abuja.
Witnesses said the individuals entered the A-Class Event Centre, where the convention was taking place, causing confusion and forcing proceedings to be temporarily suspended.
Reports indicate that some delegates, party members, and journalists covering the event were harassed during the disturbance. Personal belongings, including mobile phones and other valuables, were also reported missing following the incident.
The disruption created panic among attendees, leading many participants to leave the venue while security concerns brought convention activities to an abrupt halt.
Earlier, the faction had scheduled a special convention to formally ratify former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate for the forthcoming election. The event was initially planned to be held at the A-Class Park and Event Centre in Abuja.
However, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) had issued a directive advising operators of hotels, event centres, and public facilities to engage only with leadership structures of political parties officially recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Following developments at the original venue, party officials announced a change of location after security personnel reportedly restricted access to roads leading to the event centre.
According to party representatives, delegates and officials were subsequently directed to an alternative location within the Area 10 district of the Federal Capital Territory.
At the alternative venue, which sources described as a private residence, Prof. Jerry Gana received a Certificate of Return on behalf of former President Goodluck Jonathan following the ratification process conducted by the convention organizers.
After the presentation ceremony, party leaders, delegates, former ministers, state officials, and supporters returned to the original convention venue to continue other scheduled activities.
It was during the continuation of proceedings at the event centre that the disruption occurred, resulting in the suspension of activities and reports of assaults and theft involving some attendees and media personnel covering the convention.
