FCT High Court: Prof. Ali Alao v. APC Diaspora Judgment Rules Chapters Illegal

• The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has withdrawn recognition from all its foreign chapters, citing a court judgment.
• This decision follows a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court ruling in the case of Prof. Ali Alao v. All Progressives Congress and Anor (Suit No. CV/187/2025).
• Justice Peter Kekemeke ruled that Nigerian political parties lack legal authority to operate or supervise chapters outside Nigeria's borders.
• The court declared all diaspora chapters of Nigerian political parties illegal, unconstitutional, and unknown to Nigerian law.
• The NDC expressed appreciation for diaspora support and committed to abiding by the judgment while seeking lawful channels for future engagement.

The court unequivocally held that no political party registered within Nigeria possesses the legal authority to either establish, operate, or supervise chapters beyond the nation's territorial boundaries.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has officially ceased recognition for its chapters operating outside the country's borders. This significant decision, announced by the party's National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, in Abuja on Sunday, stems directly from a binding court judgment that challenges the legal standing of such international operations. The NDC has consequently withdrawn all previously granted recognitions for its foreign chapters, signaling a major shift in how Nigerian political parties may engage with their supporters abroad.

This move by the NDC underscores a commitment to accountability and due process, as stated by Director. The party leadership has thoroughly reviewed its relationship with its diaspora chapters and clarified its position in light of the legal pronouncement. While acknowledging the immense support and contributions from Nigerians in the diaspora, particularly those backing its candidates for the 2027 general elections, the NDC has chosen to adhere strictly to the judicial directive.

The impetus for the NDC's action is a definitive judgment issued by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama. This ruling, delivered by Justice Peter Kekemeke in the case of Prof. Ali Alao v. All Progressives Congress and Anor, under Suit No. CV/187/2025, established a critical precedent regarding the legality of Nigerian political party diaspora chapters. The court unequivocally held that no political party registered within Nigeria possesses the legal authority to either establish, operate, or supervise chapters beyond the nation's territorial boundaries.

Furthermore, Justice Kekemeke's judgment declared that any diaspora chapters of Nigerian political parties are inherently illegal, unconstitutional, and entirely unrecognized by the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This ruling directly impacts the `Nigerian political party diaspora chapters legality` and sets a clear boundary for `Nigerian electoral law international operations`, fundamentally altering the landscape for political engagement outside the country.

Despite the formal withdrawal of recognition, the NDC expressed profound gratitude for the unwavering loyalty, guidance, and contributions from its foreign chapters. The party acknowledged the continued interest of Nigerians abroad in its political objectives, specifically mentioning support for its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, ahead of the 2027 elections. The NDC leadership affirmed its intention to abide by the `Prof. Ali Alao v. APC diaspora judgment` while simultaneously seeking further legal guidance to navigate this new terrain.

In a bid to streamline its international interactions, the NDC has initiated a harmonization process in jurisdictions where multiple groups previously operated, aiming to consolidate them under a single, lawful umbrella. The party encouraged its diaspora supporters to continue their meetings and interactions, assuring them that contact would be maintained through appropriate and lawful channels. This approach highlights the party's desire to sustain engagement with its international base within the confines of the court's ruling, urging supporters to intensify efforts towards their shared political goals.

Lawyers advising Nigerian political parties or individuals involved in diaspora political activities must be aware of this FCT High Court judgment, as it establishes that Nigerian political parties lack legal authority to operate or supervise chapters outside the country, impacting compliance and the legal standing of such entities.

Source: Original reporting via PUNCH