By Nnamdi Okosieme
The Nigeria Democratic Congress(NDC), has announced the suspension of its foreign chapters.
In a statement on Sunday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, said the decision followed a review of its relations with chapters of the party in the Diaspora.
The statement said while it is deeply appreciative of the immense support, their unwavering loyalty, guidance and contributions of it’s various chapters outside Nigeria, as a political party, committed to the virtues of accountability, transparency, and due process, it is aware of a subsisting court judgment restricting political parties from organizing foreign-based chapters.
The party referenced a case between Prof. Ali Alao v. All Progressives Congress (APC) & Anor, Suit No: CV/187/2025, where 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 said in deference to the judgment, it is halting recognition of foreign chapters of the party and all earlier recognitions, withdrawn.
“In jurisdictions where more than one group exists, a harmonization process has been initiated by the party to bring them under one umbrella. The party is currently studying the judgment and has referred same to its Legal Department for further advice and guidance. 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”, the NDC said in the statement.
The party encouraged its supporters in the Diaspora to continue to meet and interact, and that the party will remain in touch with them through appropriate legal channels.
“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. A New Nigeria is POssible,” the statement said.
