Police Seal Off Abuja Event Centre Ahead of Controversial PDP Convention

Security operatives on Saturday barricaded all access roads leading to the A-Class Event Centre in Abuja ahead of a proposed special convention reportedly organised by a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to Tanimu Turaki.

According to reports, the event was expected to take place in the Wuse 2 area of the Federal Capital Territory and was allegedly linked to plans to ratify former President Goodluck Jonathan as a presidential candidate.

Police vehicles were deployed to strategic points around the venue, blocking access from both the Wuse and Maitama routes and restricting movement into the area.

The development comes amid growing tensions within the opposition party and follows recent warnings from the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) regarding the use of hotels and event centres for political gatherings not recognised by relevant authorities.

Reacting to the situation, the PDP faction behind the planned convention accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of attempting to frustrate the event.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the group claimed that pressure had been exerted on the management of the event centre to cancel the booking despite fulfilling all requirements and making full payment for the venue.

The faction maintained that it had properly secured the facility and informed security agencies about the planned gathering ahead of the scheduled date.

According to the statement, any effort to prevent the event from taking place would amount to an attempt to suppress political opposition and undermine democratic principles.

The group further disclosed that its legal team had been instructed to take necessary steps to enforce the agreement with the venue management and protect its right to hold the convention.

The incident highlights ongoing divisions within the PDP and the increasing political tension surrounding preparations for the 2027 general elections.

As of the time of reporting, authorities had not issued a detailed explanation for the road closures, while uncertainty remained over whether the convention would proceed as planned.