Canadian Court Labels APC and PDP as Terrorist Organizations, Draws Response from FG
A Canadian federal court has classified Nigeria’s two major political parties—the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC)—as terrorist organisations [1][2][3]. This decision was part of a judgment denying asylum to a former member, Douglas Egharevba, based on allegations that both parties were implicated in political violence, subversion of democracy, and electoral bloodshed in Nigeria.
The ruling was grounded on the interpretation of Canada's Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), focusing on Egharevba's affiliation with these parties, which the court found involved activities amounting to terrorism or subversion [1]. The Ministry of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness in Canada argued the parties’ involvement in political violence and undemocratic actions justified this classification [1].
However, both the PDP and APC have strongly rejected the court’s classification. The APC stated that reports about the ruling were false and misleading, emphasising that the judge did not declare the APC a terrorist organisation and noting the party did not exist during some of the alleged activities by Egharevba. The PDP condemned the decision as biased and unfounded [2][4].
The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nigeria has described this ruling as "erroneous" and "a sweeping accusation." The ministry insisted that the political parties in Nigeria, specifically the PDP and APC, operate within the ambit of the law and are integral to the country's vibrant democracy [5]. Nigeria is a sovereign nation with a robust legal and constitutional framework governing political activities [5].
Associating legitimate political entities with terrorism without credible evidence is a grave misrepresentation that undermines Nigeria's democratic institutions and could incite unnecessary tension, the ministry emphasised [5]. The Federal Government called on Canadian authorities to immediately retract the designation of the PDP and APC as terrorist organisations [5].
The ministry did not mention any specific actions taken by the Canadian authorities regarding the ruling. The Federal Government also warned Nigerians against making unfounded allegations in pursuit of asylum or favours abroad [6].
References:
[1] CBC News. (2025, June 17). Federal Court of Canada: PDP, APC are terrorist organizations. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/federal-court-pdp-apc-terrorist-organizations-1.6134819
[2] Premium Times. (2025, June 18). APC denies being labelled a terrorist organization by Canadian court. Retrieved from https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/539713-apc-denies-being-labelled-a-terrorist-organization-by-canadian-court.html
[3] The Guardian. (2025, June 18). PDP condemns Canadian court ruling classifying it as a terrorist organisation. Retrieved from https://guardian.ng/news/pdp-condemns-canadian-court-ruling-classifying-it-as-a-terrorist-organisation/
[4] Vanguard. (2025, June 18). PDP, APC reject Canadian court's ruling on them as terrorist organisations. Retrieved from https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/06/pdp-apc-reject-canadian-court-ruling-on-them-as-terrorist-organisations/
[5] The Nation. (2025, June 19). Nigerian govt condemns Canadian court's ruling on PDP, APC as terrorist organizations. Retrieved from https://thenationonlineng.net/nigerian-govt-condemns-canadian-court-ruling-on-pdp-apc-as-terrorist-organisations/
[6] The Punch. (2025, June 20). FG warns Nigerians against making unfounded allegations in pursuit of asylum or favours abroad. Retrieved from https://punchng.com/fg-warns-nigerians-against-making-unfounded-allegations-in-pursuit-of-asylum-or-favours-abroad/
- The ruling, classifying the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) as terrorist organisations by a Canadian federal court, has sparked a heated response from both parties.
- Amidst the controversy, the Federal Government of Nigeria has strongly contested the court's decision, labelling it as "erroneous" and a "sweeping accusation" that undermines Nigeria's democratic institutions and could incite unnecessary tension.
- The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasised that associating legitimate political entities with terrorism without credible evidence is a grave misrepresentation, and they called on Canadian authorities to immediately retract the designation of the PDP and APC as terrorist organisations.
- In response to calls for action, the Federal Government also warned Nigerians against making unfounded allegations in pursuit of asylum or favours abroad, highlighting the importance of upholding truth and integrity in politics and general news reporting.
- Lastly, the migration of Nigerians to Canada may face new challenges due to the ongoing dispute, raising questions about the impact of war-and-conflicts, policy-and-legislation, and politics on international relations and the rights of citizens to seek asylum.
