The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Tanimu Turaki, has issued a certificate of return recognizing former President Goodluck Jonathan as the party’s 2027 presidential candidate.
This is as the party also explained why it changed the venue of the planned national convention scheduled to ratify Jonathan as its candidate.
A statement on Saturday by the PDP which was signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, said the management of the event centre sheduled to be used for the convention, called to cancel the booking, citing an invitation and a threat from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, that their certificate of occupancy would be revoked and their event centre demolished if the PDP event was allowed.
It added that the PDP leaders, after an emergency meeting, abandoned the earlier plan to resist the security occupation of the event centre and to forcibly use the venue for the ceremonies.
City News reports that the statement confirmed that Jonathan’s candidacy was later ratified at another venue and his certificate of return issued.
The party condemned Wike’s action and urged President Bola Tinubu to call him to order and to avoid actions that may lead to the collapse of democracy in Nigeria.
The PDP added that with the affirmation of Jonathan as its presidential candidate, the party is now ready for the 2027 general elections, and necessary steps will be taken to ensure the party’s full and effective participation in the 2027 polls.
Below is the full statement by the party.
