Nigeria’s two leading political parties, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), have jointly condemned a recent ruling by the Federal Court of Canada that classified both parties as terrorist organizations under Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).
The judgment, delivered on June 17, 2025, by Justice Phuong Ngo, upheld an earlier decision denying asylum to Nigerian national Douglas Egharevba due to his long-standing affiliation with the PDP and APC. The court cited alleged involvement of both parties in political violence, electoral malpractice, and democratic subversion during key elections in Nigeria.
The PDP described the ruling as “misinformed, biased, and lacking evidence,” emphasizing that the party has consistently upheld democratic principles. PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, stated: “There’s nothing to show that even the malfunctioning APC is a terrorist organisation or the PDP, which is a credible institution. If there are individuals with questionable ties, they should be investigated—not entire political parties.”
The APC echoed similar sentiments, with National Secretary Senator Ajibola Bashiru calling the judgment “delivered from a jaundiced perspective” and asserting that the Canadian court has no jurisdiction over Nigerian political entities.
“The APC is a credible democratic political organisation and does not seek legitimacy from a foreign bench,” Bashiru said.
Political stakeholders and commentators have warned that the ruling could set a dangerous precedent, potentially affecting visa applications, asylum claims, and international perceptions of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Former NNPC spokesperson Olufemi Soneye cautioned: “Labeling established political parties as terrorist groups undermines their legitimacy at home and abroad… It blurs the line between dissent and extremism.”