The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has withdrawn recognition of its chapters outside Nigeria following a court judgment declaring diaspora chapters of Nigerian political parties illegal.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, saying the decision was taken in compliance with a judgment of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama.
The judgment, delivered by Justice Peter Kekemeke on July 15, 2026, in a suit instituted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), held that Nigerian political parties lack the legal authority to establish or operate chapters abroad. The ruling also nullified the All Progressives Congress’s UK congress.
Director said the NDC appreciated the support of Nigerians in the diaspora, particularly those backing its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He added that the party would maintain contact with its overseas supporters through lawful channels while seeking further legal guidance.
The NDC also said it had begun harmonising groups operating in jurisdictions with multiple diaspora organisations before the withdrawal of recognition.
The party urged its supporters abroad to remain engaged and continue supporting its political objectives despite the withdrawal of formal recognition of their chapters.
