By Eshioromeh Sebastian
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has withdrawn recognition of all its foreign chapters, citing a court judgment barring Nigerian political parties from operating chapters outside the country.
Announcing the decision in a statement on Sunday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, said the National Leadership took the step after reviewing its relationship with diaspora chapters.
“The National Leadership of the NDC has reviewed its relationship with foreign chapters of the party operating in the diaspora” and consequently “wishes to withhold recognition of foreign chapters of the party in the diaspora,” the statement said.
The withdrawal follows the judgment of Justice Peter Kekemeke of the FCT High Court in Maitama in Prof. Ali Alao v. All Progressives Congress (APC) & Anor, Suit No: CV/187/2025, in which 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 court further held that “diaspora chapters of Nigerian political parties were illegal, unconstitutional, and unknown to the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
“In deference to the said judgment, the NDC is halting recognition of foreign chapters of the party and all earlier recognitions are hereby withdrawn,” the party said.
Despite the decision, the NDC expressed gratitude to its diaspora chapters, saying, “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 party also disclosed that a harmonisation process had begun in areas with multiple groups. “In jurisdictions where more than one group exists, a harmonisation process has been initiated by the party to bring them under one umbrella,” it stated.
On its next line of action, the NDC said, “The party is currently studying the judgment and has referred same to its Legal Department for further advice and guidance.”
Reassuring diaspora supporters, particularly backers of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, the party said it was “aware of the tremendous interest that Nigerians in the diaspora have in our candidates, especially our presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi,” adding that it thanked them and encouraged them “to sustain such interest with more vigour.”
It urged them not to relent: “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.”
The statement ended with a call for collective action, saying, “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. A New Nigeria is POssible!”
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