Political thugs on Saturday invaded the venue of a factional Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention in Abuja, disrupting proceedings and attacking party members, delegates, and journalists covering the event.
The convention, organized by the party’s interim National Working Committee led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, was being held at the A-Class Park and Event Centre when the assailants reportedly stormed the venue wielding sticks and other dangerous weapons.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers harassed participants, assaulted journalists, and carted away mobile phones and other valuables, creating panic among attendees and forcing the event to an abrupt halt.
The violence occurred amid controversy surrounding the faction’s planned ratification of former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate.
Earlier in the day, the convention suffered a setback after authorities blocked access to the original venue. The development followed a directive by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) instructing owners of hotels, event centres, and other public facilities to recognize only political party leaderships officially acknowledged by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Faced with the restriction, party officials relocated part of the convention activities to a private residence in Abuja’s Area 10 district.
At the alternative venue, prominent PDP chieftain Prof. Jerry Gana received the party’s Certificate of Return on behalf of Jonathan, in what organizers described as a key highlight of the convention.
Following the presentation, party leaders, delegates, former ministers, state officials, and supporters reportedly returned to the A-Class Park and Event Centre to continue other convention activities.
It was during the resumed proceedings that the thugs allegedly invaded the venue, unleashing violence that brought the event to a standstill.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from security agencies regarding the attack, while party officials condemned the disruption and called for an investigation into the incident.
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