By Sherif Lawal
Tension heightened in Abuja on Saturday as police barricaded all access routes leading to the A-Class Event Centre in Wuse 2, the proposed venue for a special convention organised by members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to Tanimu Turaki.
Security operatives deployed several police vehicles to block the roads connecting the venue from the Wuse and Maitama areas, preventing access not only to party supporters but also to other motorists and road users in the vicinity.
The development comes amid controversy surrounding the planned gathering, which is expected to ratify former President Goodluck Jonathan as the PDP’s presidential candidate. The move follows recent warnings by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, against the use of hotels and event centres for what he described as illegal political activities, citing security concerns.
The PDP had earlier alleged that pressure was being mounted on the management of the event centre to cancel the programme despite an existing agreement. According to the party, all requirements for the use of the facility had been met and security agencies had been duly informed of the convention.
In a statement signed by National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong, the party maintained that the convention would go ahead, insisting it would not be deterred by what it called acts of intimidation.
