Nigeria Govt responds to Canadian court’s labeling of APC, PDP as terrorist organizations, asylum denial for politician

By EZEKIEL OBI, Abuja-

Federal Government of Nigeria has urged Canada to rescind a court ruling that branded the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as terrorist organizations.

This follows a Canadian court’s decision to deny asylum to a Nigerian politician, Douglas Egharevba, citing his past membership in these parties.

In a statement released on Friday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and signed by spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, the Nigerian government described the court’s designation as “a baseless classification” that interferes with Nigeria’s sovereignty and democratic processes. “Nigeria is a sovereign nation with a robust legal and constitutional framework governing political activities,” the statement read.

“Our political parties operate within the ambit of the law and are integral to the country’s vibrant democracy.”

The court’s ruling came in response to an appeal by Egharevba, who sought asylum in Canada after arriving in September 2017.

The court deemed him ineligible for residency, alleging that his involvement with the APC and PDP linked him to political violence.

The Nigerian government criticized the ruling for targeting entire political parties rather than focusing on individual culpability.

“To associate legitimate political entities with terrorism without credible evidence is a grave misrepresentation that undermines Nigeria’s democratic institutions,” the statement noted.

The government further argued that labeling all members of these parties as potential terrorists is “completely false and unacceptable.”

It called on Canadian authorities to retract the designation and engage in dialogue through diplomatic channels to address the issue.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria, therefore, calls on the Canadian authorities to immediately retract this erroneous designation and refrain from actions that could be misconstrued as endorsing politically motivated narratives against Nigeria,” the statement emphasized.

Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to combating terrorism, the government highlighted its efforts to counter extremist groups within its borders.

It urged the international community to dismiss the Canadian court’s ruling and support Nigeria’s democratic governance and adherence to the rule of law.

Additionally, the statement advised Nigerian citizens to avoid making baseless claims against the country in pursuit of asylum or favor abroad.