Tanimu Turaki-led Interim National Working Committee, INWC, of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has ratified former President Goodluck Jonathan as its sole presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.
The decision was reached on Saturday during a Special National Convention held in Abuja.
This followed the barricading of the venue earlier scheduled for the event, A-Class Event Centre, Wuse 2, Abuja, by personnel of the Nigeria Police Force.
The motion for Jonathan’s ratification was moved by the Chairman of the Forum of PDP State Chairmen, Dr Tony Aziegbemi, and seconded by Sen. Sani Dagash.
Although the former President was not physically present at the convention venue, his certificate of return was received on his behalf by Fred Agbedi, following a unanimous “yes” vote by the delegates in attendance.
The party added that a formal presentation and flag-off ceremony for Jonathan would be held at a later date, adding that it had notified the Independent National Electoral Commission ,INEC, and security agencies about its activities and had secured a venue for the event before the arrangement was disrupted.
The PDP alleged that the management of the event centre cancelled its booking after receiving threats that the facility could face sanctions if the event went ahead. The party also claimed that a large deployment of police officers blocked access to the area where the venue is located.
The PDP also criticised what it described as the use of government power against the party and accused officials of attempting to prevent its activities.
It further called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reduce political tensions and urged its members to remain committed to the party as it prepares for the 2027 elections.
