Why We Withheld Recognition Of Our Diaspora Chapters – NDC

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has officially clarified its decision to withhold formal recognition of its foreign diaspora chapters, citing a subsisting High Court judgment that prohibits registered political parties in Nigeria from establishing or operating branches outside the country’s territorial boundaries.

In an official statement released on Sunday, the National Publicity Secretary of the NDC, Osa Director, acknowledged the immense contributions of international supporters while outlining the legal constraints necessitating the party’s action.

The National Leadership of the NDC has reviewed its relationship with foreign chapters of the party operating in the diaspora and wishes to make the following clarifications: The NDC wishes to withhold recognition of foreign chapters of the party in the diaspora. 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, Director stated.

Highlighting the party’s commitment to rule of law, due process, and constitutional integrity, the NDC spokesperson referenced a specific judicial precedent governing political operations abroad.

In the matter of 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,’ Director explained.

He noted that the court explicitly ruled diaspora chapters of Nigerian political entities to be illegal, unconstitutional, and unrecognized under domestic legal frameworks.

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to the said judgment, is halting recognition of foreign chapters of the party and all earlier recognitions are hereby withdrawn. In jurisdictions where more than one group exists, a harmonisation process has been initiated by the party to bring them under one umbrella, he added.

The NDC leadership confirmed that the legal ruling has been forwarded to its internal Legal Department for comprehensive review and strategic advice moving forward.

Despite the legal restriction on formal institutional recognition, the party commended international supporters for their ongoing enthusiasm toward the party’s platform and its 2027 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

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. 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, Director urged.

Concluding his address, the party spokesperson called on Nigerians globally to maintain focus on democratic engagement and national recovery.

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, Director stated.