Abuja: Political thugs wielding sticks and other dangerous weapons invaded the A-Class Event Centre on Saturday, disrupting the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention being conducted by the party’s Interim National Working Committee (INWC), led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki.
The thugs forcibly halted proceedings, harassed and assaulted party members and journalists covering the event, and reportedly stole several mobile phones and other valuables. The violence triggered panic at the venue, bringing convention activities to an abrupt end as participants fled for safety.
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The faction had scheduled Saturday’s special convention at the A-Class Park and Event Centre in Abuja to ratify former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate.
However, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) issued a directive earlier 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).
This morning, the party changed the venue after the Nigerian Police blocked roads leading to the A-Class Park and Event Centre. Party officials told newsmen they had relocated the convention to a new site in Area 10 of the FCT.
It was at this point that the political thugs invaded the new venue, assaulted participants and journalists, and looted mobile phones and other valuables.