BREAKING: FG Reacts as Canadian Court Labels APC, PDP as Terrorist Groups

The Federal Government has condemned a Canadian Federal Court ruling that classified Nigeria’s two major political parties, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as terrorist organisations.

The government’s reaction was contained in a statement on Friday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa. According to the government, the label, linked to an immigration case involving Nigerian national Douglas Egharevba, was “reckless, baseless, and an unacceptable interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs.”

Egharevba, who arrived in Canada in 2017 seeking refugee status, had his case reviewed under allegations that certain Nigerian political parties had terrorist affiliations. The court in its judgment extended the allegations to the APC and PDP.

“The Court made a sweeping accusation against the entire membership of political parties that have produced democratically elected presidents, instead of focusing on individuals found guilty of offences,” the ministry said. “Such classification is false, unacceptable, and carries dangerous implications.”

The government stressed that Nigeria’s political parties operate within a robust constitutional and legal framework, warning that the ruling could spread misinformation and inflame tensions.

Calling on Ottawa to retract the designation, the FG urged Canadian authorities to avoid endorsing politically motivated narratives that misrepresent Nigeria’s democratic system. It reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to fighting terrorism and cooperating on global security, while cautioning citizens against misrepresenting the country for asylum or immigration advantages.

“Nigeria remains committed to the global fight against terrorism and has made significant strides in countering extremism. The international community should disregard this misguided ruling,” the statement said.