RismadarVoice Reporters, May 31, 2026
A special convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja was disrupted on Saturday after armed individuals allegedly stormed the venue, forcing delegates, party officials, journalists, and supporters to flee as the party moved to formally ratify former President Goodluck Jonathan as its adopted presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The incident occurred shortly after party leaders concluded the formal presentation and ratification process at a separate location before moving to the convention venue.
According to reports, several attendees were assaulted while mobile phones and other personal belongings were reportedly stolen during the disruption.
Earlier in the day, PDP leaders convened at a private residence serving as the Interim National Working Committee (INWC) secretariat in Area 10, Garki, where the endorsement process was initiated.
Moving the motion for ratification, Edo State PDP Chairman and Chairman of the PDP State Chairmen’s Forum, Dr Tony Aziegbemi, said the adoption reflected the position of party leadership across the country following internal consultations and primaries.
Senator Mohamed Sanusi Dagash seconded the motion, describing the decision as consistent with the party’s national objectives.
Following the ratification, former Information Minister, Professor Jerry Gana, presented a Certificate of Return on behalf of the party. The certificate was received by Mr Fred Agbedi on behalf of Jonathan.
Addressing the gathering, Gana expressed concern over what he described as challenges confronting Nigeria’s democratic process, lamenting restrictions on political participation and questioning the independence of electoral institutions.
Earlier, PDP Interim National Chairman Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, defended the legitimacy of the convention, insisting that the party’s actions were grounded in court decisions and provisions of the PDP constitution.
“We know what we are doing,” Turaki said, adding that INEC had been notified of the party’s activities.
After urging supporters to remain peaceful and avoid confrontation, Turaki declared the convention concluded and encouraged delegates to return home peacefully.
However, moments later, the venue reportedly came under attack, resulting in confusion and the abrupt end of proceedings. Witnesses described scenes of panic as participants scrambled for safety.
In a communiqué issued after the incident, the PDP alleged intimidation and interference with its convention activities, accusing authorities of deploying measures that disrupted the gathering despite prior notification to relevant agencies.
The party maintained that its processes remained legitimate and vowed to continue political mobilisation ahead of future electoral activities.
