A Canadian Federal Court ruling that categorised Nigeria’s two largest political parties — the APC and PDP — as terrorist organisations has sparked outrage and global concern. Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, has now challenged the parties to demonstrate that they are not engaged in terrorism.
Justice Phuong Ngo issued the ruling while rejecting the asylum request of a Nigerian man, Douglas Egharevba, declaring that both parties resort to violence, intimidation, and the manipulation of democratic institutions to consolidate power.
Falana, in a Monday statement, warned that the implications could be grave for Nigerian democracy and its global standing. He noted that Nigeria’s own Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 defines terrorism in similar terms to the conduct described by the Canadian court.
“It is common knowledge that APC and PDP rig elections and announce fake results with the assistance of armed thugs, police and military personnel,” he said. “Violence, killings and attacks on voters have repeatedly marred electoral processes without perpetrators being punished.”
He faulted the dismissive responses from both parties. The APC had described the judge as “ignorant” while the PDP branded the decision “mischievous.” Falana said these reactions only sidestep the allegations.
He advised the Federal Government to take proactive diplomatic and legal steps. According to him, unless properly managed, the ruling could be registered in other Western nations, leading to sanctions, visa bans, or deportations for APC and PDP members.