The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned a Canadian court decision labeling Nigeria’s two dominant political parties — the PDP and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) — as terrorist organisations.
In a statement, the PDP described the ruling as “misinformed, biased, and lacking evidence,” calling for its dismissal.
The controversial judgment came after Canada’s Federal Court upheld a ruling by the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) denying asylum to Douglas Egharevba, a former member of both parties, over alleged links to political violence in Nigeria.
The Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness in Canada had argued that both parties were involved in electoral violence, voter intimidation, and killings. The IAD cited the PDP’s alleged role in the 2003 state elections and 2004 local polls as evidence.
PDP Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor rejected the claim outright:
“There’s nothing to show that the PDP or even the malfunctioning APC is a terrorist organisation… To say an entire political party is a terrorist organisation is wrong.”
Former NNPC spokesperson Olufemi Soneye warned the ruling could set a “dangerous precedent” for democracies, leading to heightened scrutiny of Nigerians abroad and eroding political freedoms.
“Labeling established political parties as terrorist organisations undermines their legitimacy at home and abroad,” Soneye said.
The ruling has sparked diplomatic and political concerns, with calls for Canada to target specific individuals rather than entire parties.
