Turaki PDP adopts Jonathan despite thugs invasion ofconvention venue
PDP Convention Disrupted by Armed Thugs; Jonathan’s Ratification Overwhelmed by Chaos
By Luminous Jannamike
ABUJA — The ratification of former President Goodluck Jonathan as the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections was disrupted on Saturday when armed thugs invaded the convention venue in Abuja. The attack sent delegates, supporters, and journalists fleeing for safety.
The incident overshadowed what organizers had projected as a significant gathering for the party. During the chaos, multiple attendees reported assaults, alongside the theft of personal belongings, including mobile phones.
Prior to the outbreak of violence, party leaders convened at a private residence in Area 10, Garki, serving as the PDP Interim National Working Committee secretariat. Edo State PDP Chairman Dr. Tony Aziegbemi initiated the approval process, emphasizing the consensus of state chairpersons.
“On behalf of all the state chairmen that conducted free, fair and credible primaries in their various states, I hereby move that this special convention ratify the motion,” Aziegbemi stated.
Senator Mohamed Sanusi Dagash seconded the motion, reaffirming the party’s commitment amid ongoing challenges. Following the ratification, former Information Minister Prof. Jerry Gana presented the party’s Certificate of Return to Jonathan.
Mr. Fred Agbedi received the certificate on Jonathan’s behalf in front of a crowd that included former ministers, state officials, and journalists, who later traveled to the A-Class Event Centre for the convention.
During the presentation, Gana lamented the current state of Nigeria’s democracy. He expressed disappointment that, years after the restoration of civilian rule, the political landscape still faced significant challenges.
“It is with great pain that I see this situation,” Gana said. He criticized the current Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and expressed concern over the integrity of future elections.
“This is a disgrace. Let the whole world know that Nigerian democracy is under challenge because people cannot meet freely,” he added.
Earlier in the day, Interim National Chairman Kabiru Tanimu Turaki defended the legitimacy of the interim leadership and the convention itself, stating that their actions adhered to recent court judgments.
“We know what we are doing,” Turaki assured, noting that INEC had been informed of the party’s activities.
As the convention transitioned to the A-Class Event Centre, Turaki urged supporters to maintain peace. He expressed confidence that any confrontations were best saved for the electoral polls, reminding delegates to resist provocation.
Shortly after the gathering resumed, armed thugs stormed the venue, causing panic and chaos. One supporter, who chose to remain anonymous, recounted the shock of the event. “People were scampering for safety in different directions,” they said.
The disruption abruptly ended the convention, leaving the ratification of Jonathan overshadowed by fear and disarray. Following the attack, the PDP accused the federal government of instigating intimidation and employing heavy security measures to disrupt their meeting.
This position was articulated in a communiqué issued at the conclusion of the event and signed by Comrade Ini Ememobong, the party’s National Publicity Secretary. The PDP reiterated it had informed the relevant authorities, including INEC, of its activities concerning candidate selections.
Follow-up coverage continues as developments unfold surrounding this significant political event.
