The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faction led by Kabiru Turaki has urged President Bola Tinubu to caution Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), over what it described as rising undemocratic tendencies.
In a statement issued after the convention on Saturday, the faction condemned what it described as the “brazen use of unmitigated power” by officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), alleging that the actions were carried out with the backing of President Bola Tinubu.
The party said it had initially scheduled the convention to hold at the A-Class Park and Event Centre in Abuja and had fulfilled all requirements, including payment for the venue and notification to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to the faction, the management of the event centre later cancelled the booking after allegedly receiving threats from the FCTA.
“We reminded them of the subsisting contract with us and insisted that the event must go on as planned,” the statement said.
“The Federal Capital Territory Administration doubled down by issuing a statement conveying the threats of revocation of the titles of business premises hosting events considered by them as unlawful.
“As if that was not enough, by 7 p.m. on Friday, 29th May, more than 20 truckloads of policemen were deployed to block the entire road where the event centre is located, forcing motorists to drive against traffic.”
The faction claimed that the event centre informed party officials that Wike had threatened to revoke its certificate of occupancy if the convention was allowed to proceed.
Despite the development, the party said it chose not to forcefully occupy the venue and instead convened an emergency meeting of its leadership, including members of its Board of Trustees, National Executive Committee and Interim National Working Committee.
The convention was eventually relocated to another venue in Area 10, Garki, where Jonathan’s candidacy was ratified. Although the former president was absent, his certificate of return was received by Bayelsa lawmaker Fred Agbedi on his behalf.
The faction warned that continued interference in political activities could endanger Nigeria’s democratic system.
“If left unchecked, the country may slide into full blown dictatorship,” the statement said.
The party further argued that the incident demonstrated what it described as the ruling All Progressives Congress’ fear of the PDP.
“Whereas other parties with leadership issues similar to ours have conducted their conventions without threats from the ruling party, the PDP is too feared to be allowed the constitutionally guaranteed right to meet,” it stated.
The faction called on President Tinubu to caution Wike and take steps to reduce political tensions in the country.
“President Tinubu should rein in his fear of impending loss and take practical steps to de-escalate the political tensions, which have been an unwarranted addition to the already heightened political temperature in the country,” the statement added.
The party urged its members to remain committed, assuring them that the struggle for the party’s future would soon be resolved.