FG CONDEMNS CANADIAN TERRORIST RULING.

The Federal Government of Nigeria (FG) has condemned a recent ruling by a Canadian Federal Court that classified APC and PDP as terrorist organizations. Describing the decision as reckless, unfounded, and an unacceptable intrusion into Nigeria’s internal matters.

This ruling emerged from a June 17, 2025, immigration case involving Douglas Egharevba, a former member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressive Congress (APC). Douglas Egharevba sought refugee status in Canada after arriving in 2017.

The court upheld a prior finding that deemed him inadmissible under Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act due to his affiliations.

THE VERDICT:

Justice Phuong Ngo’s ruling stated that the actions of PDP members and high-ranking officials involved in political violence were too widespread to separate from the party’s leadership. The Federal Government reacted strongly, asserting that the court failed to distinguish between individuals who committed offenses and the broader membership of legitimate political parties.

In a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa emphasized that the ruling inaccurately labels all members of the implicated political parties as potential terrorists. The statement highlighted that Nigeria’s political system operates under a strong legal framework and that all recognized political parties function within the law.

NATIONAL STAND:

Federal Government urged Canadian authorities to retract the ruling and avoid endorsing politically motivated narratives that distort Nigeria’s political landscape. The ministry reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to lawful governance and its efforts in combating terrorism.

Furthermore, APC dismissed claims that the Canadian court labeled it a terrorist organization. The National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka clarified that the court did not declare APC as such. He stated that the only mention of the APC was in a background context related to Egharevba’s membership history.

Additionally, he emphasized that the court’s decision lacked jurisdiction over Nigerian political parties and held no legal relevance. He criticized the ruling as an unfortunate misrepresentation driven by a misguided perspective.

However, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Coalition of United Political Parties expressed concern that the ruling stemmed from documented cases of electoral malpractices and violence in Nigeria. ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi stated that the Canadian court’s decision reflects the seriousness with which other nations regard electoral integrity.

Subsequently, Peter Ameh, from the Coalition of United Political Parties, argued that the court linked the two major political parties to acts of terror due to their recent governance. He called for accountability for individuals involved in electoral violence rather than targeting entire political entities.

The Federal government remains committed to engaging with international partners and ensuring accurate representations of its political landscape