ABUJA, NIGERIA — The national leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has officially halted recognition of all foreign chapters operating in the diaspora, citing a binding court ruling that declares offshore political structures illegal under Nigerian law.
The decision was made public through an official statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director Esq, following an extensive executive review of the party’s administrative links with overseas support structures.
The opposition party explained that the policy enforcement directly complies with a subsisting judgment delivered by Justice Peter Kekemeke of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama. In the landmark suit between Prof. Ali Alao v. All Progressives Congress (APC) & Anor (Suit No: CV/187/2025), the court ruled that political parties registered in Nigeria possess no statutory mandate to establish, manage, or maintain operating chapters beyond the nation’s territorial boundaries.
The court further ruled that diaspora chapters of domestic political organizations remain unconstitutional and unrecognized under the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act.
In light of the judicial precedent, the NDC announced the immediate withdrawal of all previously issued operational recognitions for international branches. The party leadership clarified that it has launched an internal harmonization process to unify parallel diaspora factions while referring the court ruling to its legal department for comprehensive review and counsel.
Despite the administrative suspension, the party commended its international supporters and diaspora interest groups for their unwavering advocacy, particularly towards its 2027 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, urging them to maintain legal civic engagement while compliant channels are maintained.
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