The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has denounced a Canadian Federal Court decision upholding the classification of Nigeria’s two dominant political parties—the PDP and the All Progressives Congress (APC)—as terrorist organisations.
The June 17, 2025, judgment, delivered by Justice Phuong Ngo, dismissed a judicial review application by Douglas Egharevba, a former member of both parties, after Canada’s Immigration Appeal Division found him inadmissible under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Authorities cited alleged political violence, electoral malpractice, and voter intimidation linked to the parties during past elections.
PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, called the ruling “misinformed, biased, and lacking evidence,” arguing that specific individuals, not entire parties, should be investigated for ties to terrorism. He also accused Canada of making “sweeping and unfounded generalisations.”
Former NNPC spokesperson Olufemi Soneye warned the verdict could have far-reaching consequences, including visa denials and heightened scrutiny for Nigerians with past party affiliations. He also cautioned that branding established political parties as terrorist groups undermines democracy and risks being weaponised to silence opposition.
The ruling has sparked concerns over its potential diplomatic, political, and human rights implications, both within Nigeria and internationally.