The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has withdrawn recognition of its chapters outside Nigeria following a court judgment restricting political parties from establishing and operating branches beyond the country’s territorial boundaries.
The party announced the decision in a statement issued on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, explaining that the move was aimed at ensuring compliance with the law and upholding the principles of accountability, transparency and due process.
According to the statement, the decision affects all previously recognised foreign chapters of the party, despite their contributions to its growth and political activities.
The NDC acknowledged the support it had received from Nigerians living abroad, expressing appreciation for their loyalty, guidance and commitment to the party.
Director explained that the party’s decision was informed by a subsisting judgment delivered by Peter Kekemeke of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama in a case involving Prof. Ali Alao and the All Progressives Congress (APC), with suit number CV/187/2025.
He said the court ruled that registered political parties in Nigeria lacked the legal authority to establish, operate or supervise chapters outside the country.
In response to the judgment, the NDC said it had decided to suspend recognition of all its foreign-based chapters while its legal department examines the ruling and advises the party on the appropriate course of action.
The spokesperson also disclosed that the party had commenced a harmonisation process in locations where multiple diaspora groups existed, with the aim of bringing them together under a unified structure.
Despite the withdrawal of formal recognition, the NDC reassured its supporters abroad that they could continue to meet, interact and express interest in the party through appropriate and lawful channels.
The party further acknowledged the growing interest of Nigerians in the diaspora in its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and other candidates, encouraging them to sustain their political engagement.
