The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has withdrawn recognition of its diaspora chapters, citing a court judgment that reportedly prohibits political parties registered in Nigeria from establishing or operating branches outside the country.
The decision comes ahead of the 2027 general elections, as reports indicate that Peter Obi, identified in the report as the party’s presidential candidate, is attracting support among Nigerians living abroad.
The party announced the development in a statement issued on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director. While appreciating the contributions of members based overseas, the NDC said it was bound to comply with the subsisting court ruling.
“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 statement
The NDC referenced the case of Prof. Ali Alao v. All Progressives Congress (APC) & Anor, Suit No. CV/187/2025. In the case, Justice Peter Kekemeke of the FCT High Court in Abuja reportedly ruled that political parties registered in Nigeria lacked the legal authority to establish, operate or supervise chapters beyond the country’s territorial boundaries.
According to the party, the court further held that diaspora chapters of Nigerian political parties were illegal, unconstitutional and unrecognised under Nigerian law.
Explaining the immediate implication of the ruling, the NDC stated: “In compliance with the judgement, the NDC is halting recognition of foreign chapters of the party, and all earlier recognitions are hereby withdrawn,” the statement added.
Despite the withdrawal, the party disclosed that it had commenced a harmonisation process in jurisdictions where multiple groups operate, with the aim of bringing them together under a single umbrella. Its legal department is also reviewing the judgment to determine further steps and provide appropriate guidance.
The development could affect the formal organisation of NDC supporters abroad, particularly amid reports of growing diaspora interest in Obi’s political platform. The former Anambra State governor reportedly received financial and other forms of assistance from Nigerians living overseas during the last general election.
The party’s latest decision, however, centres on compliance with the reported court ruling, while its ongoing legal review is expected to clarify the implications for its supporters and groups operating outside Nigeria.
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