Isaac Samuel
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has withdrawn recognition of its diaspora chapters following a court judgment restricting Nigerian political parties from establishing and operating chapters outside the country.
The party, in a press statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, said the decision was taken in deference to a judgment delivered by the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, which it said declared diaspora chapters of Nigerian political parties illegal and unconstitutional.
The judgment, in the suit between Prof. Ali Alao and the All Progressives Congress (APC) and another, with suit number CV/187/2025, was delivered by Justice Peter Kekemeke.
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 party added that 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.
Explaining its decision, the NDC said: “Therefore, the NDC, in deference to the said judgment, is halting recognition of foreign chapters of the party and all earlier recognitions are hereby withdrawn.”
The party said its national leadership had reviewed its relationship with foreign chapters and was committed to complying with the court’s position while seeking further legal guidance.
Despite withdrawing recognition, the NDC expressed appreciation to its supporters abroad, acknowledging their contributions to the party.
“The party is currently studying the judgment and has referred same to its Legal Department for further advice and guidance.
“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 initiated a harmonisation process in jurisdictions where multiple diaspora groups existed.
“In jurisdictions where more than one group exists, a harmonization process has been initiated by the party to bring them under one umbrella,” the statement added.
The NDC acknowledged the interest of Nigerians in the diaspora in its candidates, particularly its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and urged them to remain engaged with the party.
“The party is aware of the tremendous interest that Nigerians in the diaspora have in our candidates, especially our presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, and we thank them and encourage them to sustain such interest with more vigour,” it said.
It encouraged supporters abroad to continue meeting and interacting, assuring them that the party would maintain contact through lawful 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,” the statement said.
The NDC urged its members and supporters to remain committed to its political objectives, declaring that “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.”
