The Nigeria Democratic Congress has pulled formal recognition from all its chapters outside the country, following a court ruling that Nigerian political parties have no legal power to set up or oversee branches abroad.
Announcing the decision in Abuja on Sunday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, said the NDC had stopped recognising its foreign chapters and revoked all recognition previously granted.
He explained that the move was made in deference to a judgment of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama in the case Prof. Ali Alao v. All Progressives Congress and Anor, Suit No. CV/187/2025.
In that ruling, Justice Peter Kekemeke 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 described diaspora chapters of Nigerian political parties as illegal, unconstitutional and unknown to Nigerian law.
Despite the withdrawal, the NDC expressed gratitude to Nigerians abroad for their support, especially those backing its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Director said the party remained committed to accountability, transparency and due process, and would comply with the judgment while seeking further legal guidance.
He said the national leadership had reviewed its relationship with the foreign chapters and decided to withhold recognition from them.
He added that the party was deeply appreciative of the immense support, loyalty and contributions of its diaspora chapters.
Director also disclosed that a harmonisation process had begun in jurisdictions where multiple groups were operating, to bring them under one umbrella.
Although formal recognition has been withdrawn, the NDC acknowledged the continued interest of Nigerians abroad in its candidates, particularly its presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
The party urged its diaspora supporters to keep meeting and interacting, promising to maintain contact through appropriate and lawful channels, and called on them to intensify efforts towards its political objectives.
Discussion about this post