Nigeria Rejects the Designation of Some Nigerian Political Parties as Terrorist Organizations by a Canadian Federal Court

PRESS RELEASE

15 August 2025

The Federal Government of Nigeria expresses its deep concerns over the recent ruling by a Canadian Federal Court that erroneously designates certain political parties in Nigeria as “terrorist organizations.”

This declaration, made in pursuance of a case involving a Nigerian citizen, Mr. Douglas Egharevba, who arrived in Canada in September 2017 and applied for inland refugee status under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act of Canada, is baseless, reckless, and constitutes an unacceptable interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs and democratic processes.

The ruling made a sweeping and unfounded accusation against the entire membership of a political party that has produced three democratically elected Presidents, instead of focusing on individuals found culpable. Such a classification suggests that every member of the mentioned political parties is a potential terrorist — a notion that is false, misleading, and utterly unacceptable.

Nigeria’s Position

Nigeria is a sovereign nation with a robust legal and constitutional framework governing political activities. Political parties in Nigeria operate strictly within the ambit of the law and are integral to the country’s vibrant democracy.

To associate legitimate political entities with terrorism without credible evidence is a grave misrepresentation that undermines Nigeria’s democratic institutions and has the potential to incite unnecessary political tension.

Call to Action

The Federal Government of Nigeria therefore:

• Calls on the Canadian authorities to immediately retract this erroneous designation.
• Urges them to refrain from actions that could be misconstrued as endorsing politically motivated narratives against Nigeria.
• Emphasizes that diplomatic channels remain open for constructive dialogue and calls on the Government of Canada to engage with relevant Nigerian institutions to rectify this error.

Nigeria’s Global Commitment

Nigeria remains committed to the global fight against terrorism and has made significant strides in countering extremist groups within its borders. The Government therefore calls on the international community to disregard this misguided ruling and reaffirm its confidence in Nigeria’s democratic governance and rule of law.

Furthermore, the Government urges Nigerian nationals abroad to refrain from making unfounded allegations against Nigeria under the pretext of seeking asylum or favours from foreign entities.

Signed:

Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa
Spokesperson
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja
Friday, 15 August 2025.