Police barricade access to venue of Turaki-led PDP convention in Abuja

All access roads leading to the “A-Class” Event Centre in Abuja have been barricaded by police ahead of a proposed special convention reportedly organised by members of the Peoples Democratic Party loyal to Tanimu Turaki.

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According to Channels TV, the event said to be linked to the ratification of former President Goodluck Jonathan as a presidential candidate, was scheduled to take place in Wuse 2, Abuja. Police reportedly used multiple vans to block both access routes from the Wuse and Maitama axes, effectively preventing entry into the venue for party members and other road users.

The move comes amid tensions within the PDP following reports that Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike warned hotels and event centres against hosting what he described as unauthorised political gatherings in the capital.

The party has accused Wike of attempting to obstruct its planned event, alleging that pressure was mounted on the venue management to cancel the booking despite full payment and compliance with requirements. The PDP said it had already secured the venue and notified security agencies about the planned convention, which was expected to hold on Saturday, May 30, 2026.

“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 party said in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong.

The party further maintained that its legal team had been instructed to uphold the agreement with the event centre and ensure the event proceeds as planned despite what it described as attempts at intimidation.