The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly rejected a Canadian Federal Court ruling that branded Nigeria’s PDP and All Progressives Congress (APC) as terrorist organizations, calling it “misinformed, biased, and lacking evidence.”
The party demanded the ruling be dismissed outright. Olufemi Soneye, former Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, described the verdict as a “political earthquake” with far-reaching consequences, warning that it risks foreign courts meddling in democratic politics.
The ruling, delivered by Justice Phuong Ngo on June 17, 2025, upheld the denial of asylum to Douglas Egharevba, a former PDP and APC member, due to his decade-long affiliation with the parties.
The court cited Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, with the Minister of Public Safety alleging the parties engaged in political violence, voter intimidation, and electoral bloodshed, particularly during the 2003 and 2004 Nigerian elections.
PDP Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor criticized the ruling, arguing that labeling entire political parties as terrorist organizations is baseless.
He suggested Canadian authorities focus on individuals with proven ties to terrorism, such as those linked to Boko Haram, rather than broadly condemning Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Soneye highlighted the ruling’s broader implications, noting it could lead to increased scrutiny, visa denials, and rejected asylum claims for Nigerians abroad.
He warned that such labels undermine democratic legitimacy, blur the line between dissent and extremism, and could be used to suppress opposition and erode civil liberties both in Nigeria and globally.
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