Jane Salihu
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has withdrawn recognition of its diaspora chapters in compliance with a court judgment restricting Nigerian political parties from establishing and operating chapters outside the country, while assuring supporters abroad that it will maintain contact through appropriate legal channels.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday, October 18, explaining that the decision followed a review of the party’s relationship with its foreign-based chapters and the need to respect existing legal provisions.
According to Director, the party is acting in deference to a judgment delivered by Justice Peter Kekemeke of the FCT High Court, Maitama, in the suit between Prof. Ali Alao v. All Progressives Congress (APC) & Anor, Suit No. CV/187/2025.
He said the court ruled that Nigerian political parties lacked the legal authority to establish, operate or supervise chapters outside the country’s territorial boundaries.
The NDC spokesperson added that all previous recognitions granted to its diaspora chapters had consequently been withdrawn, pending further legal guidance.
However, the party expressed appreciation to Nigerians in the diaspora for their support, loyalty and contributions, particularly their interest in its candidates, including its presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
The statement stressed that the withdrawal of recognition would not prevent supporters abroad from meeting and interacting, assuring them that the party would continue to engage with them through appropriate and lawful channels.
Director also disclosed that the party had initiated a harmonisation process in jurisdictions where multiple groups were operating, with a view to bringing them under a single umbrella.
He said the judgment had been referred to the party’s Legal Department for further advice as the NDC continues to examine its implications for its organisational structure and engagement with supporters outside Nigeria.
The party maintained that its decision was guided by the need to uphold accountability, transparency and due process.
It further urged Nigerians at home and abroad to sustain their interest in the country’s political development, calling for collective efforts towards building what it described as a better Nigeria.
NDC reiterated its political message, declaring that “A New Nigeria is possible.”
