Canada’s Shocking Verdict: PDP, APC Linked to Terrorism — FG Demands Retraction
The Federal Government of Nigeria has rejected a ruling by a Canadian Federal Court that labeled the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) as terrorist organizations.
In a statement on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through its spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, described the ruling as baseless, reckless, and an unacceptable interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs.
The case began when Nigerian citizen Douglas Egharevba applied for refugee status in Canada in 2017. In 2019, Canadian immigration authorities declared him inadmissible, alleging that his membership of the PDP linked him to acts of political violence and electoral malpractice.
Canadian Judge Phuong Ngo upheld the decision on June 17, 2025, stating that mere membership of an organization linked to terrorism or democratic subversion could be grounds for inadmissibility, even without proof of personal involvement. The court accused the PDP of engaging in ballot-stuffing, intimidation, and violence during its time in power.
The Nigerian government dismissed these claims, stressing that political parties in the country operate within the law and play a key role in its democracy. It urged Canada to withdraw the classification and open diplomatic discussions to correct the error.
The FG also reaffirmed its commitment to fighting terrorism and called on Nigerians abroad not to make false claims against the country for asylum purposes.
