By Myke Uzendu, Abuja
Fresh controversy has erupted within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over a planned ratification ceremony for former President Goodluck Jonathan as Presidential Candidate, with rival factions issuing conflicting statements on the legitimacy of the event.
The Interim National Working Committee under the leadership of Tanimu Turaki (SAN) insisted that the special convention to ratify Jonathan’s presidential candidature would proceed as scheduled on Saturday at the A Class Event Centre in Wuse 2, Abuja.
In a statement signed by the interim National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the faction accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of allegedly threatening to shut down the event centre if it allowed the PDP to use its facility.
According to the statement, the party had fully paid for the venue and notified relevant security agencies about the planned event.
“We have been informed by the proprietors of A Class Event Centre of the threat by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, to shut down their business premises if the Peoples Democratic Party is allowed to use their hall for our presidential candidate ratification ceremonies.
“We state here, and for the record, that we had furnished consideration in full to consummate the earlier offer and acceptance. Furthermore, we had duly notified all relevant security agencies about the event. We have directed our lawyers to write, reminding A Class Event Centre of these facts” the faction stated.
The group invited party leaders, members of the National Executive Committee and other stakeholders to attend the ceremony scheduled for May 30.
However, the PDP faction recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) under the leadership of Abdulrahman Mohammed, distanced the party from the planned convention, describing reports of Jonathan’s affirmation as false and unauthorized.
In a separate statement signed by it National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, the party said no convention or process had been approved by the recognised leadership of the PDP to affirm Jonathan as it’s presidential candidate.
“The Party wishes to categorically state that no such convention, meeting, or process has been scheduled, approved, or endorsed by the leadership or any recognised organ of the Peoples Democratic Party.
“We therefore urge all party faithful, supporters, stakeholders, and members of the general public to disregard such false information, as it is misleading, unauthorised, and intended to create confusion within the polity.
“It is important for the avoidance of doubt to state that, The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has successfully concluded all its primary elections, including those for Governorship, State Houses of Assembly, National Assembly, and the Presidential election primaries in accordance with INEC guidelines, the provisions of the Electoral Act and the Constitution of the Party” the party stated.
It urged members of the public to disregard the reports and called on Jonathan to publicly dissociate himself from what it described as a “charade.”
The statement also called on security agencies to investigate those behind the alleged misinformation, warning against attempts to drag the party into disrepute.
Meanwhile, comments attributed to Lere Olayinka, the spokesperson of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, which was published on his X handle on Friday indicated that owners of event centres and hotels had been advised to deal only with leaderships of political parties recognised by INEC.
“Owners of Event Centres and Hotels in particular must ensure that they only deal with INEC recognised leadership of political parties in respect of the use of their facilities,” the statement said.
