The Federal Government of Nigeria has rejected as “reckless, baseless, and unacceptable” a recent ruling by a Canadian Federal Court which classified Nigeria’s two dominant political parties — the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) — as terrorist organisations.
In a statement on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through its spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, condemned the ruling as a grave misrepresentation that amounts to foreign interference in Nigeria’s internal political and democratic processes.
The Case That Sparked Diplomatic Tensions
The controversy stems from the asylum case of Douglas Egharevba, a Nigerian who arrived in Canada in September 2017 seeking refugee protection under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA). In 2019, Canadian immigration authorities declared him inadmissible, citing his membership in the PDP, which they alleged engaged in acts of terrorism and subversion.
Egharevba contested the ruling, insisting he had never engaged in violence or electoral malpractice, nor personally participated in acts of terrorism. But in a June 17, 2025 judgment, Justice Phuong Ngo dismissed his appeal, ruling that under section 34 of the IRPA, mere membership in an organisation linked to terrorism or subversion is sufficient grounds for inadmissibility.
The court described the PDP as perpetrators of ballot-stuffing, intimidation, election violence, and even murder of political opponents during its years in power from 1999, when it governed Nigeria uninterrupted for 16 years.
Justice Ngo concluded that the immigration officer’s decision was not unreasonable and dismissed Egharevba’s request for judicial review.
FG Reacts: ‘Erroneous and Dangerous’
Nigeria’s government pushed back strongly against the ruling, warning that branding political parties as terrorist groups could have far-reaching consequences.
“Nigeria is a sovereign nation with a robust legal and constitutional framework governing political activities. Our political parties operate within the ambit of the law and are integral to the country’s vibrant democracy. To associate legitimate political entities with terrorism without credible evidence is a grave misrepresentation that undermines Nigeria’s democratic institutions and could incite unnecessary tension,” the Foreign Affairs Ministry stated.
The government demanded that Canada retract the designation, warning against actions that could be misinterpreted as “endorsing politically motivated narratives” against Nigeria.
Wider Implications
Analysts say the ruling, if left unchallenged, could complicate Nigeria’s diplomatic relations, raise questions about the credibility of its electoral system, and stigmatise Nigerians seeking asylum abroad.
It also exposes the dark history of election violence in Nigeria, where political contests have often been marred by thuggery, ballot snatching, and loss of lives. Yet, by formally designating political parties as “terrorist organisations,” a Canadian court has entered uncharted diplomatic territory, effectively challenging Nigeria’s sovereignty and political legitimacy.
Nigeria Calls for Dialogue
The FG said diplomatic channels remain open and urged Canada to engage with Nigerian authorities to rectify what it termed an error.
It further advised Nigerians abroad to avoid making exaggerated or unfounded claims against the state in pursuit of asylum or immigration advantages.
“Nigeria remains committed to the global fight against terrorism and has made significant strides in countering extremist groups within its borders,” the statement added.
For now, Abuja is watching closely to see whether Ottawa will walk back a ruling that has placed the two largest political parties in Africa’s most populous nation under the shadow of international suspicion.
