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The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has withdrawn recognition of its diaspora chapters in deference to a subsisting court judgment which reportedly barred Nigerian political parties from establishing or operating chapters outside the country.
In a statement issued on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, the party said the decision followed a review of its relationship with foreign chapters and was informed by a judgment of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, in the suit between Prof. Ali Alao and the All Progressives Congress (APC) and another party, Suit No. CV/187/2025.
The NDC noted that it was withholding recognition of foreign chapters pending further legal advice on the judgment.
Osa quoted Justice Peter Kekemeke as ruling that “no political party registered in Nigeria has the legal authority to establish, operate or supervise chapters outside the country’s territorial boundaries.”
He 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.”
“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to the said judgment, is halting recognition of foreign chapters of the party and all earlier recognitions are hereby withdrawn,” the statement said.
However, the party expressed appreciation to Nigerians in the diaspora for their support, loyalty and contributions, assuring them that the decision would not end its engagement with supporters outside the country.
It said it was studying the judgment and had referred the matter to its Legal Department for further advice and guidance.
The NDC also disclosed that it had initiated a harmonisation process in jurisdictions where multiple groups were operating, with a view to bringing them under one umbrella.
Acknowledging the interest of Nigerians abroad in its candidates, particularly its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, the party urged its supporters in the diaspora to sustain their enthusiasm and remain engaged through lawful channels.
“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 added that supporters could continue to meet and interact, while the party would maintain contact with them through appropriate and legal channels.
The NDC called on its members and supporters to remain committed to its political mission, accusing the ruling APC of steering the country into a state of drift and hopelessness.
“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,” it said.
