NDC withdraws recognition of diaspora chapters over court judgment

The Nigeria Democratic Congress has withdrawn recognition of its chapters operating outside the country, citing a subsisting court judgment declaring that Nigerian political parties lack the legal authority to establish or supervise branches abroad.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, said the NDC had halted recognition of its foreign chapters and withdrawn all those previously granted.

He said the decision was taken in deference to a judgment of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama in the suit, Prof. Ali Alao v. All Progressives Congress and Anor, Suit No. CV/187/2025.

In the said matter, it was decided by Justice Peter Kekemeke at the FCT High Court in Maitama 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.”

The NDC, however, expressed appreciation for the support of Nigerians in the diaspora, particularly those backing its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Director said the party was committed to accountability, transparency and due process, and would abide by the judgment while seeking further legal guidance.

He said, “The National Leadership of the NDC has reviewed its relationship with foreign chapters of the party operating in the diaspora and wishes to make the following clarifications:

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“The NDC wishes to withhold recognition of foreign chapters of the party in the diaspora.

“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.”

Director also disclosed that they had initiated a harmonisation process in jurisdictions where multiple groups were operating, with a view to bringing them under one umbrella.

Despite the withdrawal of formal recognition, the NDC acknowledged the interest of Nigerians abroad in its candidates, particularly its presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

The party urged its diaspora supporters to continue meeting and interacting, assuring them that it would maintain contact through appropriate and lawful channels.

The NDC also further called on its supporters to intensify efforts towards its political objectives.