NDC Stops Recognizing Diaspora Chapter, Explains Why

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has stopped recognizing its diaspora chapter.

The NDC spokesperson, Osa Director, shared this news in a statement on Sunday.

Mr Director said this decision follows a court ruling that prevents political parties from having branches outside Nigeria.

He mentioned that the choice was made to ensure accountability, transparency and following the rules.

“The NDC wishes to withhold recognition of foreign chapters of the party in the diaspora,” he stated.

He continued, “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.

“However, as a political party committed to the virtues of accountability, transparency, and due process, we are aware of a subsisting court judgement restricting political parties from organising foreign-based chapters.”

The Court Ruling

Mr Director explained that a High Court in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama, Abuja made the ruling that prevents political parties from setting up branches abroad.

He said Judge Peter Kekemeke delivered the ruling in a case involving Ali Alao, a professor, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) with suit number CV/187/2025.

The NDC spokesperson said the court decided that “no political party registered in Nigeria has the legal authority to establish, operate or supervise chapters outside the country’s territorial boundaries.”

He noted that the court called the diaspora chapters of Nigerian political parties “illegal, unconstitutional, and unknown to the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

“In respect of this judgement, the NDC is halting recognition of foreign chapters of the party, and all earlier recognitions are hereby withdrawn,” he announced.

Mr Director emphasized that the NDC has started a process to unify various groups in places with multiple chapters to bring them together.

He mentioned that the party is considering the judgement and has sent it to its legal team for further advice.

The spokesperson said NDC values the interest of Nigerians abroad in the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and others.

“We encourage our supporters in the diaspora to continue to meet and interact, and we shall remain in touch with them through appropriate and legal channels,” he promised.