NDC Explains Decision to Withdraw Recognition of Diaspora Chapters

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has explained that its decision to withdraw recognition of the party’s diaspora chapters was prompted by a subsisting court judgment reportedly ruling that Nigerian political parties lack the legal authority to establish, operate or supervise chapters outside the country.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, expressing appreciation to Nigerians in the diaspora for their continued support, loyalty and contributions to the party.

According to Director, the party’s national leadership reviewed its relationship with its foreign-based chapters before deciding to suspend their recognition in deference to the court judgment.

“The National Leadership of the NDC has reviewed its relationship with foreign chapters of the party operating in the diaspora and wishes to make the following clarifications.

“The NDC wishes to withhold recognition of foreign chapters of the party in the diaspora.

“We are deeply appreciative of the immense support of various foreign chapters in the diaspora. We are grateful for their unwavering loyalty, guidance and contributions to the party,” he said.

Director explained that the party, which he said was committed to accountability, transparency and due process, was aware of a subsisting judgment of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama concerning the legality of diaspora chapters of Nigerian political parties.

He cited the case of Prof. Ali Alao v. All Progressives Congress (APC) & Anor, Suit No. CV/187/2025, in which Justice Peter Kekemeke reportedly ruled that Nigerian political parties had no legal authority to establish, operate or supervise chapters beyond the country’s territorial boundaries.

According to the party’s spokesperson, the court also held that diaspora chapters of Nigerian political parties were illegal, unconstitutional and not recognised under Nigerian law.

“In deference to the said judgment, the NDC is halting recognition of foreign chapters of the party, and all earlier recognitions are hereby withdrawn,” Director said.

He added that the party had initiated a harmonisation process in jurisdictions where multiple groups existed, with the aim of bringing them under a single structure.

Director further disclosed that the NDC was studying the judgment and had referred the matter to its Legal Department for further advice and guidance.

Despite the withdrawal of recognition, the party acknowledged the interest of Nigerians living abroad in its political activities and candidates, particularly its presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

“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,” he said.

He encouraged party supporters in the diaspora to continue meeting and interacting, assuring them that the party would maintain contact through appropriate and lawful channels.

Director concluded by urging supporters to remain committed to the party’s political objectives, calling for collective efforts to address the country’s challenges.

“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,” he said.