NDC Withholds Recognition Of Diaspora Chapters, Cites Court Judgment Restricting Political Parties

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The National Leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has reviewed its relationship with foreign chapters of the party operating in the diaspora and announced withholding of recognition of foreign chapters.

The decision was contained in a press statement from the Office of the National Publicity Secretary, Nigeria Democratic Congress, signed by Osa Director Esq, National Publicity Secretary, NDC, on 18th October, 2026.

NDC Appreciates Diaspora Support But Cites Accountability, Due Process
“The NDC wishes to withhold recognition of foreign chapters of the party in the diaspora,” the statement said.
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“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,” NDC stated.
However, as a political party committed to virtues of accountability, transparency, and due process, NDC said it is aware of subsisting court judgment restricting political parties from organizing foreign-based chapters.

No Political Party Has Legal Authority To Establish Chapters Outside Nigeria — Court

In the matter between Prof. Ali Alao v. All Progressives Congress, APC, & Anor, Suit No: CV/187/2025, it was decided by Justice Peter Kekemeke at the FCT High Court in Maitama that, “no political party registered in Nigeria has the legal authority to establish, operate or supervise chapters outside the country’s territorial boundaries.”

The court further held that “diaspora chapters of Nigerian political parties were illegal, unconstitutional, and unknown to the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
“Therefore, the NDC, in deference to the said judgment, is halting recognition of foreign chapters of the party and all earlier recognitions are hereby withdrawn,” NDC declared.

Harmonization Process, Legal Advice Ongoing

The party said in jurisdictions where more than one group exists, a harmonization process has been initiated to bring them under one umbrella.
“The party is currently studying the judgment and has referred same to its Legal Department for further advice and guidance,” the statement added.

NDC Hails Interest In Peter Obi, Encourages Diaspora To Sustain Support

“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,” NDC said.
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“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,” it added.

“Collectively, we must work hard to build a Nigeria of our dreams. We must rescue Nigeria from its present state of drift and hopelessness foisted on it by the rudderless APC. A New Nigeria is POssible!” NDC stated.

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