Political thugs armed with sticks and other weapons on Saturday disrupted a factional Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention in Abuja, attacking participants and journalists and bringing proceedings to an abrupt halt.

The convention, organised by an interim National Working Committee headed by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, was taking place at the A-Class Event Centre when the attackers stormed the venue, causing panic and forcing attendees to flee.

Witnesses said journalists and party members were assaulted during the incident, while several mobile phones and other personal belongings were reportedly stolen.

The gathering was convened to ratify former President Goodluck Jonathan as the faction’s presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 elections.

Earlier in the day, the faction had relocated the convention from its original venue after security operatives blocked access roads leading to the A-Class Park and Event Centre. The development followed a directive by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) instructing owners of event centres and public facilities to recognise only political party leaderships acknowledged by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Party officials subsequently moved the event to a private residence in Area 10, Abuja, where former Information Minister, Prof. Jerry Gana, received Jonathan’s Certificate of Return on behalf of the former president.

Following the presentation, delegates, party leaders, former ministers, state officials, and supporters returned to the original venue to continue convention activities. It was during this phase of the programme that the suspected thugs invaded the premises, disrupting the event and attacking those present.

The incident ended the convention abruptly, with participants abandoning the venue amid fears for their safety.