Thugs invade PDP convention, assault journalists; Jonathan named presidential candidate

MaTaZ ArIsInG
Dallas, Texas

Former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana, collected the Certificate of Return on behalf of former President Goodluck Jonathan at a private residence in Area 10, Abuja.

By Luminous Jannamike, ABUJA

Political thugs, wielding sticks and other dangerous weapons, on Saturday, invaded the A-Class Event Centre, venue of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, ‘National Convention’ being conducted by the party’s interim National Working Committee led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki.

The thugs disrupted proceedings, forcing the programme to a halt.

Vanguard reports that party members and journalists were harassed and assaulted during the attack, while several mobile phones and other valuables were reportedly stolen.

The violence caused panic at the venue and brought the convention activities to an abrupt end as participants fled for safety.

Jonathan ratified as presidential candidate

Recall that the faction had fixed Saturday, today, for the special convention to ratify former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate. Venue was the A-Class Park and Event Centre in Abuja.

However, the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, issued a directive mandating owners of hotels, event centres and other public facilities to deal only with the leadership of political parties recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

And, this morning, the party changed the venue of the convention, as the Police blocked the roads leading to A-Class Park and Event Centre.

Party officials told newsmen that they had moved the venue to somewhere in Area 10 of the FCT.

It was at that venue, which turned out to be a private residence, that Prof. Jerry Gana received the Certificate of Return on behalf of Jonathan.

After the presentation, the party leaders, delegates, former ministers, state officials, and supporters moved back to the A-Class Park and Event Centre initial venue for further convention ceremonies.

It was at that point the political thugs invaded, assaulted and stole from the party member and journalists covering the event.

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