The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of attempting to frustrate its planned presidential ratification convention for former President Goodluck Jonathan.
In a statement released Friday by the party’s Interim National Working Committee, the PDP alleged that the management of A Class Event Centre in Wuse 2, Abuja, informed party officials about pressure allegedly mounted on them to deny access to the venue.
The opposition party said it had fully paid for the facility and met all requirements ahead of the convention scheduled for Saturday, May 30.
Signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the statement said security agencies had already been notified about the event.
According to the PDP, its legal team has been directed to remind the event centre management of the contractual agreement binding both parties.
Despite the reported pressure, the party insisted the convention would go ahead as planned.
“We are certain that Nigeria is a country governed by law, and any attempt to use force to suppress political dissent and opposition is an aberration which must be resisted by all people of good conscience,” the statement said.
The PDP argued that the FCT Minister has no constitutional authority to decide which political gatherings can hold in Abuja or determine the venues where such meetings take place.
The party described any move to stop the convention as undemocratic and warned against efforts to silence opposition voices.
It also urged party leaders, National Executive Committee members and stakeholders across the country to attend the gathering.
The accusation comes shortly after the Federal Capital Territory Administration introduced new rules directing hotels, event centres and other public facilities to deal only with leaderships of political parties recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The FCTA also warned that facilities used for gatherings involving what it termed “illegal organisations” could face sanctions, including revocation of land titles.
The directive was announced in a statement issued Friday by Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to Wike.
According to the statement, the measure is part of efforts to strengthen security and prevent public spaces from being used for activities capable of disturbing peace in the nation’s capital.
“In view of the need to further ensure the security of lives and properties in the FCT and sustain the efforts of security agencies in this regard, usage of event centres, hotels and other public buildings will now be closely monitored,” the statement said.
The administration advised owners of hotels and event centres to verify the legality of groups seeking to use their facilities, particularly during the current political season.
It warned that operators who fail to comply with the directive risk severe penalties, including the loss of property titles.
The latest development comes against the backdrop of a widening struggle for control within the PDP.
DDM reports that Jonathan is being backed by one faction of the party, while another faction aligned with Wike continues to challenge its influence and direction.
