The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has withdrawn its recognition of the party’s diaspora chapters, citing a subsisting court judgment that reportedly bars Nigerian political parties from establishing branches outside the country.
The party’s spokesperson, Osa Director, announced the decision in a statement on Sunday, October 18, 2026, saying it was taken in line with the principles of accountability, transparency and due process.
The decision comes as the party continues to receive support from Nigerians living abroad, including those interested in its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and other candidates.
“The NDC wishes to withhold recognition of foreign chapters of the party in the diaspora,” Director said.
He expressed appreciation to diaspora supporters for their loyalty, guidance and contributions to the party, despite the decision to withdraw official recognition from their chapters.
According to the spokesperson, the decision follows a judgment delivered by Justice Peter Kekemeke of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Maitama, Abuja.
Director said the judgment was delivered in a case involving Professor Ali Alao and the All Progressives Congress (APC), with suit number CV/187/2025.
He quoted the court as holding that Nigerian political parties do not have the legal authority to establish, operate or supervise chapters outside the country’s territorial boundaries.
The spokesperson also said the court described diaspora chapters of Nigerian political parties as illegal and unconstitutional.
However, the NDC said it was still studying the judgment and had referred it to its legal department for further advice.
“In deference to the said judgment, the NDC is halting recognition of foreign chapters of the party, and all earlier recognitions are hereby withdrawn,” Director said.
The spokesperson disclosed that the NDC had begun a harmonisation process in countries where multiple groups had emerged, with the aim of bringing them under a single umbrella.
He encouraged Nigerians in the diaspora to continue meeting and interacting, assuring them that the party would maintain contact through what it described as appropriate and lawful channels.
The party also acknowledged the interest of Nigerians abroad in Obi and its other candidates, despite the withdrawal of formal recognition from its foreign chapters.
The development marks a change in the NDC’s relationship with its overseas supporters as political parties prepare for the 2027 general elections.
