The Kabiru Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says it will go ahead with its planned convention to ratify former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate for the 2027 election, despite a warning issued by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

The event is scheduled for Saturday at A-Class Park and Event Centre in Abuja.

The development follows a directive issued on Friday by the FCTA, which warned hotels, event centres and other public facilities in the capital against hosting political groups not recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The administration also threatened to revoke the land titles of facilities used by what it described as “illegal organisations.”

The PDP is currently divided into rival factions, with the camp aligned to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike recognised by INEC.

Reacting to the warning, the Turaki-led faction accused the FCTA of attempting to block its convention through intimidation.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the faction said the management of the event venue had been threatened with closure if it allowed the gathering to take place.

Ememobong said the party had completed all requirements for use of the venue and had already informed security agencies about the convention.

“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,” the statement said.

The faction added that its lawyers had been instructed to formally remind the venue management of the agreement already reached.

It maintained that the convention would proceed as planned.

“Having satisfied these requirements, we reiterate that the special convention to ratify the presidential candidature of President Goodluck Jonathan will hold as scheduled on Saturday, 30th May, 2026, at A-Class Event Centre, Wuse 2, Abuja, by 10 am,” the statement added.

The faction also criticised the FCTA directive, arguing that the minister does not have the authority to determine which political meetings can hold in Abuja.

“No law empowers the minister to decide what event should hold or not hold in Abuja,” Ememobong said, describing the move as inconsistent with democratic principles.

He called on party members and supporters to attend the convention despite the controversy surrounding the event.