Canadian Court Labels APC, PDP as Terrorist Groups; Nigeria Condemns Ruling as Reckless and Baseless

In a controversial ruling delivered on June 17, 2025, the Federal Court of Canada labeled Nigeria's two largest political parties—the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)—as terrorist organizations. The decision, upheld by Justice Phuong Ngo, was in relation to the asylum case of Douglas Egharevba, a Nigerian who has decades-long affiliations with the two parties. Canadian authorities cited intelligence reports which linked APC and PDP with poll violence, voter intimidation, and political killings, particularly in the 2003 and 2004 elections.

The post was met with instant fury by Nigerian stakeholders. The PDP described the judgment as "misinformed, biased, and without foundation," and the APC brushed it off as "baseless" and "beyond jurisdiction." Both parties argued that Canada's decision is an affront to Nigeria's democratic institutions and a dangerous precedent for global politics.

The Nigerian government formally called for the withdrawal of the decision, labeling it an "unacceptable interference" in domestic affairs. Officials warned that the label could stigmatize millions of Nigerians abroad, endangering visa access and asylum claims based solely on party membership.

Critics, including the one-time NNPC spokesperson Olufemi Soneye, cautioned that the judgment had the potential to destroy civil liberties and legalize political repression. The matter has sparked international controversy regarding the scope of foreign court authority in defining terrorism and democratic legitimacy.