News Top Story • Created May 30, 2026 18:07

PHOTOS: How police barricaded proposed venue of Jonathan’s ratification after Wike’s threat

Police on Saturday barricaded roads leading to the A-Class Park and Event Centre in Abuja, the venue scheduled for the ratification of former President Goodluck Jonathan as the presidential candidate of a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Security operatives stationed at the venue prevented access and informed journalists that the event had been […]

Security operatives stationed at the venue prevented access and informed journalists that the event had been cancelled.

However, officials of the Kabiru Turaki-led PDP faction later disclosed that the convention had been relocated to another venue in Area 10, Abuja.

The development comes amid the lingering leadership crisis within the PDP, which has split the party into rival factions.

While the faction backed by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike is recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Turaki-led group had insisted on proceeding with its special convention to ratify Jonathan’s candidature.

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) had earlier directed owners of event centres and public facilities to transact only with political party leaderships recognised by INEC, warning against hosting activities of groups it described as unauthorised.

Despite the restrictions, the Turaki faction maintained that all necessary arrangements had been concluded for the convention before the police blockade.

Below are photos showing the security presence and barricades around the venue.