NDC Derecognises Diaspora Chapters Following Court Ruling

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has withdrawn recognition of its chapters operating outside Nigeria following a court ruling that reportedly prohibits political parties registered in the country from establishing branches abroad.

The party said the decision was taken in deference to the judgment of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, while it continues to examine the legal implications of the ruling.

In a statement signed on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, the NDC announced that all previous recognitions granted to its foreign chapters had been withdrawn.

The party cited the case of Prof. Ali Alao v. All Progressives Congress (APC) & Anor, Suit No. CV/187/2025, in which Justice Peter Kekemeke reportedly ruled that Nigerian political parties lacked the legal authority to establish or operate chapters outside the country’s territorial boundaries.

According to the NDC, the court held that “no political party registered in Nigeria has the legal authority to establish, operate or supervise chapters outside the country’s territorial boundaries.”

The statement further quoted the court as describing diaspora chapters of Nigerian political parties as “illegal, unconstitutional, and unknown to the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

The party said it had referred the judgment to its Legal Department for further advice and guidance, indicating that its review of the matter was still ongoing.

Despite the withdrawal of official recognition, the NDC expressed appreciation to Nigerians abroad for their support, loyalty and contributions to the party.

“We are deeply appreciative of the immense support of various foreign chapters in the diaspora. We are grateful for their unwavering loyalty, guidance, and contributions to the party,” the statement said.

The party also disclosed that it had commenced a harmonisation process in jurisdictions where multiple groups operate, with the aim of bringing them under a common umbrella.

It acknowledged the interest of Nigerians in the diaspora in its candidates, particularly its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and urged them to sustain their political engagement despite the decision.

The NDC said supporters abroad could continue to meet and interact, assuring them that the party would maintain contact through appropriate legal channels.

“We encourage our supporters in the diaspora to continue to meet and interact, and we shall remain in touch with them through appropriate and legal channels,” it stated.

The party also called on its supporters to remain committed to its political objectives, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of contributing to the country’s current challenges.

“Collectively, we must work hard to build a Nigeria of our dreams. We must rescue Nigeria from its present state of drift and hopelessness foisted on it by the rudderless APC,” the statement added.

The NDC concluded by reaffirming its optimism about the country’s future, declaring that “A New Nigeria is possible!”