The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has withdrawn recognition of its diaspora chapters, citing a subsisting judgment of the Federal Capital Territory High Court restricting Nigerian political parties from establishing or operating chapters outside the country.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, disclosed this in an official statement, explaining that the decision followed a review of the party’s relationship with its foreign-based chapters and its commitment to accountability, transparency and due process.
According to the statement, the decision was taken in deference to the judgment in the case of Prof. Ali Alao v. All Progressives Congress (APC) & Anor, Suit No. CV/187/2025, delivered by Justice Peter Kekemeke of the FCT High Court in Maitama.
The party quoted the court as holding that no political party registered in Nigeria had the legal authority to establish, operate or supervise chapters outside the country’s territorial boundaries.
The NDC also cited the court’s position 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to the said judgment, is halting recognition of foreign chapters of the party and all earlier recognitions are hereby withdrawn,” the statement said.
The party added that a harmonisation process had been initiated in jurisdictions where multiple groups existed, with a view to bringing them under one umbrella.
It disclosed that the judgment was still being studied and had been referred to its Legal Department for further advice and guidance.
Despite the withdrawal of recognition, the NDC acknowledged the contributions and support of Nigerians in the diaspora, expressing appreciation for their loyalty, guidance and commitment to the party.
The party also recognised the interest of Nigerians living abroad in its candidates, particularly its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and encouraged them to sustain their political engagement.
It urged its diaspora supporters to continue meeting and interacting, assuring them that the party would maintain communication with them through appropriate and lawful channels.
The NDC reiterated its commitment to building what it described as a Nigeria of shared aspirations, calling on its supporters to work collectively towards achieving a new Nigeria.
