The Federal Government of Nigeria has strongly condemned a ruling by a Canadian federal court that described the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) as terrorist organizations. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed the ruling as “baseless” and “reckless,” warning that such a designation amounts to interference in Nigeria’s internal political affairs and democratic processes.
The Canadian court’s ruling reportedly emerged during a refugee case involving a Nigerian citizen. In its judgment, the court suggested that membership in either of Nigeria’s leading political parties could fall under Canada’s definition of terrorism within its immigration laws. The classification extended beyond the individual case to label the parties themselves as terrorist entities.
Nigeria’s government insisted that both the PDP and APC are legitimate political parties operating under the nation’s constitution and democratic structures. Officials stressed that linking them to terrorism without credible evidence undermines the country’s institutions and risks creating unnecessary tension. The government called on Canada to withdraw the classification and instead pursue constructive diplomatic engagement.
Both political parties immediately rejected the ruling. The PDP described it as misinformed, biased, and lacking evidence, while the APC maintained that a foreign court has no jurisdiction to brand Nigerian parties as terrorist organizations. Political commentators have also criticized the ruling, warning that it could set a dangerous international precedent and expose Nigerians affiliated with political parties to unfair treatment in immigration and asylum processes abroad.
