Opposition leaders are accusing the FCT Minister of attempting to block a major political event scheduled for next month. Nyesom Wike allegedly threatened to shut down a venue if the Peoples Democratic Party proceeds with its plans.
The PDP said it wants to hold a ratification ceremony for former President Goodluck Jonathan on May 30, 2026. Officials claim the minister pressured owners of A Class Event Centre in Wuse 2 to refuse them access to the facility.
Party spokesman Comrade Ini Ememobong issued a statement on Friday explaining the situation. He said the PDP had already paid for the venue in full and met all legal requirements.
Security agencies received proper notification about the planned convention weeks in advance, according to party officials. PDP lawyers were instructed to contact the event centre management about their binding contract.
The opposition party vowed the gathering would happen regardless of alleged intimidation. "We are certain that Nigeria is a country governed by law," the statement declared, "and any attempt to use force to suppress political dissent and opposition is an aberration which must be resisted by all people of good conscience."
Party officials argued that Wike has no constitutional right to decide which political events may occur in Abuja. They described any effort to stop the convention as fundamentally undemocratic.
Leaders called on party members nationwide to attend as scheduled. The PDP warned that suppressing opposition voices harms Nigeria's democratic values.
Wike's office responded with its own directive on Friday. Senior Special Assistant Lere Olayinka announced new monitoring of all event centres, hotels, and public buildings throughout the territory.
According to Olayinka, the FCTA will now scrutinize which groups use these facilities. Only political parties recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission can rent venues, officials said.
Property owners who allow "illegal organisations" to hold gatherings face serious consequences. Authorities warned they could lose their title documents if they violate the directive.
The administration framed the measure as a security precaution. Officials said it aims to prevent activities that might disturb peace in Nigeria's capital city.
"Usage of Event Centres, Hotels and other public buildings will now be closely monitored," Olayinka's statement read. It emphasized preventing gatherings "capable of disrupting the peace of the nation's capital."
Tension between the ruling party and opposition figures has intensified in recent weeks. This latest clash suggests the political temperature will remain high leading up to 2026.
