The Nigeria Democratic Congress has stopped recognising its chapters outside Nigeria following a court ruling that Nigerian political parties lack the legal authority to establish or operate branches in foreign countries.
The party said the decision was taken to comply with a judgment of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, which declared diaspora chapters of Nigerian political parties illegal.
The NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, announced the decision in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, explaining that the party had withdrawn recognition previously granted to its foreign chapters.
The judgment arose from the suit, Prof. Ali Alao v. All Progressives Congress and Anor, with suit number CV/187/2025, presided over by Justice Peter Kekemeke.
The court held that “no political party registered in Nigeria has the legal authority to establish, operate or supervise chapters outside the country’s territorial boundaries.”
It further ruled that “diaspora chapters of Nigerian political parties were illegal, unconstitutional and unknown to the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Explaining the party’s position, Director said the NDC leadership had reviewed its relationship with its overseas structures and resolved to comply with the court’s decision while seeking further legal guidance.
“The NDC wishes to withhold recognition of foreign chapters of the party in the diaspora,” he said.
Despite the withdrawal, the party expressed appreciation to Nigerians living abroad for their contributions, loyalty and support, particularly their interest in its candidates for the 2027 general elections.
The NDC also acknowledged the enthusiasm of diaspora supporters for its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and urged them to remain engaged with the party through lawful channels.
Director said the party remained committed to transparency, accountability and due process, adding that its leadership would continue to communicate with supporters abroad through appropriate means.
He disclosed that the party had previously begun harmonising its diaspora structures in locations where multiple groups operated, with the aim of bringing them under a single umbrella.
The party encouraged its supporters outside Nigeria to sustain their interactions and continue working towards its political objectives despite the withdrawal of formal recognition from the overseas chapters.
The development comes as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, with Nigerians in the diaspora continuing to express interest in the country’s political process.
