Court Ruling: NDC De-Recognises All Diaspora Chapters, Citing Legal Restrictions

The national leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has officially withdrawn its recognition of all foreign chapters operating in the diaspora, citing a binding court judgment that declares overseas branches of Nigerian political parties illegal.

The decision was announced on Sunday in a press statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director Esq., who explained that the move is a direct response to a recent FCT High Court ruling.

According to the party’s leadership, the NDC is acting in compliance with the judgment delivered by Justice Peter Kekemeke at the FCT High Court in Maitama in the case of Prof. Ali Alao v. All Progressives Congress (APC) & Anor (Suit No: CV/187/2025).

According to the Party, the court explicitly held that no Nigerian political party has the legal authority to establish, operate, or supervise chapters outside the country’s territorial boundaries and that diaspora chapters are 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to the said judgment, is halting recognition of foreign chapters of the party, and all earlier recognitions are hereby withdrawn,” the statement read.

Harmonisation and Next Steps

Despite the withdrawal of formal recognition, the NDC noted that a harmonisation process has been initiated to merge competing factions into single umbrellas within their respective jurisdictions.

The party’s leadership expressed gratitude for the unwavering loyalty, guidance, and financial contributions of its diaspora members. It also emphasized that the legal department is currently studying the court judgment for further guidance.

The NDC acknowledged the strong enthusiasm diaspora Nigerians hold for the party’s candidates, particularly its presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, urging supporters to continue meeting, interacting, and sustaining their engagement through lawful channels to help “rescue Nigeria from its present state of drift.”