Thugs invade PDP convention, assault journalists; Jonathan named presidential candidate

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Former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana, collected the Certificate of Return on behalf of former President Goodluck Jonathan at a private residence in Area 10, Abuja.

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By Luminous Jannamike, ABUJA

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Political thugs, wielding sticks and other dangerous weapons, on Saturday, invaded the A-Class Event Centre, venue of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, ‘National Convention’ being conducted by the party’s interim National Working Committee led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki.

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The thugs disrupted proceedings, forcing the programme to a halt.

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Vanguard reports that party members and journalists were harassed and assaulted during the attack, while several mobile phones and other valuables were reportedly stolen.

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The violence caused panic at the venue and brought the convention activities to an abrupt end as participants fled for safety.

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Jonathan ratified as presidential candidate

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Recall that the faction had fixed Saturday, today, for the special convention to ratify former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate. Venue was the A-Class Park and Event Centre in Abuja.

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However, the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, issued a directive mandating owners of hotels, event centres and other public facilities to deal only with the leadership of political parties recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

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And, this morning, the party changed the venue of the convention, as the Police blocked the roads leading to A-Class Park and Event Centre.

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Party officials told newsmen that they had moved the venue to somewhere in Area 10 of the FCT.

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It was at that venue, which turned out to be a private residence, that Prof. Jerry Gana received the Certificate of Return on behalf of Jonathan.

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After the presentation, the party leaders, delegates, former ministers, state officials, and supporters moved back to the A-Class Park and Event Centre initial venue for further convention ceremonies.

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It was at that point the political thugs invaded, assaulted and stole from the party member and journalists covering the event.

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