…Party Cites FCT High Court Ruling, Refers Matter to Legal Department
By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced the withdrawal of recognition of its foreign chapters operating in the diaspora, citing a subsisting judgment of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court restricting Nigerian political parties from establishing chapters outside the country.
The party disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday, October 18, 2026, by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, Esq., following a review of its relationship with foreign chapters.
According to the NDC, the decision was taken in deference to the judgment delivered by Justice Peter Kekemeke of the FCT High Court in Maitama in the case of Prof. Ali Alao v. All Progressives Congress (APC) & Anor, Suit No. CV/187/2025.
The court reportedly held that no political party registered in Nigeria had the legal authority to establish, operate or supervise chapters outside the country’s territorial boundaries.
The judgment further described diaspora chapters of Nigerian political parties as illegal, unconstitutional and unrecognised by the country’s laws.
The NDC said its decision reflected its commitment to accountability, transparency and due process, adding that all previous recognitions granted to its foreign chapters had been withdrawn.
While expressing appreciation for the loyalty, guidance and contributions of Nigerians supporting the party from abroad, the NDC said it remained conscious of the growing interest of diaspora Nigerians in its political activities and candidates, particularly its presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
The party encouraged its supporters abroad to sustain their interest and continue engaging with one another through appropriate and lawful channels.
It also disclosed that a harmonisation process had commenced in jurisdictions where multiple groups claimed to represent the party, with a view to bringing them under a single umbrella.
The statement added that the party was studying the court judgment and had referred it to its Legal Department for further advice and guidance.
Despite the withdrawal of formal recognition, the NDC assured its diaspora supporters that it would maintain communication with them through legally appropriate means.
The party called on Nigerians at home and abroad to work collectively towards building a better country, while criticising the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) over what it described as Nigeria’s present state of drift and hopelessness.
Reaffirming its political message, the party declared: “A New Nigeria is Possible!”
