PDP Vows to Resist ‘Imperial’ Wike as Jonathan Ratification Ceremony Faces Threat

Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting

THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has pledged to defy what it calls an “intimidating” threat from FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, insisting its planned presidential candidate ratification ceremony will go ahead as scheduled on May 30.

In a blistering statement issued on Friday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong Essien, accused Wike of attempting to shut down the A Class Event Centre in Wuse 2, Abuja, where the party intends to ratify former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate.

The PDP claimed it had received intelligence that the minister was prepared to block the venue’s use, despite the party having paid the full booking fee in advance.

“All relevant security agencies have been duly notified about the event in line with due process,” Essien said. “We have also directed our lawyers to write to A Class Event Centre, reminding the management of the valid contract and the party’s legal standing.”

‘No Legal Authority’

The party dismissed Wike’s purported intervention as an “aberration” with no basis in Nigerian law.

“There is no provision in Nigerian law granting the FCT Minister powers to determine which events should be held and where,” the statement read. “Such limitless authority is alien to a democratic republic and operates only under an emperor.”

The PDP seized on the clash to take aim at President Bola Tinubu, referencing what it called his “struggle to deny claims that he seeks imperial powers”. The party argued that attempts to dictate political gatherings fundamentally contradict democratic norms.

Event to Proceed

The special convention to ratify Jonathan’s presidential candidature will take place on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 10am, with the venue unchanged.

The PDP urged state party leaders, National Executive Committee members and other critical stakeholders to disregard the threats and attend as planned.

“Any attempt to use force to suppress political dissent and opposition must be resisted by all people of good conscience,” Essien added.

The statement was issued on behalf of the party’s Interim National Working Committee, reaffirming the PDP’s commitment to constitutional order and political freedom.