Turaki-led PDP vows to stand firm against bullying tactics.

The Turaki-led Interim National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has vowed to resist any attempts to intimidate it, stating that no form of intimidation will deter the party from affirming former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate for the 2027 presidential election.

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The faction's National Publicity Secretary, Mr Ini Ememobong, made this declaration in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, highlighting the party's unwavering commitment to its goals.

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Ememobong revealed that the faction had been informed of a threat by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, to shut down A Class Event Centre if the faction were allowed to use the hall for its presidential candidate ratification ceremonies.

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According to Ememobong, the faction had fulfilled all necessary requirements, including making full payment and notifying relevant security agencies about the event, and had thus directed its lawyers to remind A Class Event Centre of these facts.

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The special convention to ratify the presidential candidature of President Goodluck Jonathan is set to take place as scheduled on Saturday, May 30, at A Class Event Centre, Wuse 2, Abuja, at 10 a.m., Ememobong reiterated.

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Ememobong characterized the minister's directive as an attempt to use force to suppress political dissent and opposition, pointing out that there is no legal basis for the minister of the FCT to dictate which events can be held and where.

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He argued that such sweeping powers are incompatible with a democratic republic, emphasizing the need for the rule of law to prevail.

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Ememobong extended an invitation to party leaders from the states, National Executive Committee members, and other stakeholders of PDP to attend the event as scheduled, underscoring the importance of their participation.

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The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) had earlier issued a warning to owners of hotels, event centres, and other public facilities in Abuja, advising them against allowing their premises to be used by unrecognized organizations, and cautioning that property titles of offenders may be revoked.

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The warning, issued on Friday in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister, Lere Olayinka, is part of a broader effort to strengthen security in the nation's capital and support ongoing operations by security agencies to safeguard lives and property.

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The FCTA specifically cautioned hotel and event centre operators to only deal with the leadership of political parties recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), particularly during the ongoing political season.

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The statement emphasized the need for hotel and event centre operators to maintain proper records of transactions and to only engage with recognized leadership of political parties, as stipulated by the relevant regulations.