2027: NDC withdraws recognition of diaspora chapters over Court judgment

Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has withdrawn recognition of its foreign chapters following a court judgment reportedly declaring the establishment and operation of diaspora chapters by Nigerian political parties illegal.

The party said the decision was taken in deference to a subsisting judgment of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, which restricted Nigerian political parties from establishing, operating, or supervising chapters outside the country.

In a press statement issued on Sunday, October 18, 2026, the NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, said the party’s leadership had reviewed its relationship with foreign chapters and resolved to withhold recognition pending further legal guidance.

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The statement 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 lacked the legal authority to establish chapters outside the country’s territorial boundaries.

According to the party, the court 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said judgment, the NDC is halting recognition of foreign chapters of the party, and all earlier recognitions are hereby withdrawn,” the statement said.

The party, however, expressed appreciation to its supporters in the diaspora for their loyalty, contributions and continued commitment to its political activities.

It said it recognised the immense support it had received from Nigerians living abroad and remained grateful for their guidance and interest in the party’s affairs.

The NDC also disclosed that it had initiated a harmonisation process in jurisdictions where multiple groups claimed affiliation with the party, with a view to bringing them under a single umbrella.

It added that the judgment was being studied and had been referred to its Legal Department for further advice and guidance.

Despite the withdrawal of recognition, the party encouraged its diaspora supporters to sustain their interest in its 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,” the statement added.

The party further urged its supporters abroad to continue meeting and interacting, assuring them that it would maintain contact through appropriate and lawful channels.

Reaffirming its political objectives, the NDC called on its supporters to work towards building what it described as a better Nigeria and rescuing the country from its present challenges.