In a landmark judgment that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political landscape, a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Maitama has declared all diaspora chapters of Nigerian political parties illegal, unconstitutional, and non-existent under the law.
Presiding Judge, Justice Peter Kekemeke, delivered the definitive ruling on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, nullifying the controversial United Kingdom Diaspora Congress held by the All Progressives Congress (APC). The court further ordered the immediate transfer of over ₦30 million generated from the sale of congress nomination forms by the APC to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The Landmark Suit
The legal battle, marked under Suit No: CV/187/2025, was instituted by INEC against the APC, challenging the legitimacy of the party’s overseas administrative structures.
In its arguments, the electoral umpire criticized the conduct of foreign congresses, maintaining that such activities fell entirely outside the constitutional and legal frameworks governing political parties registered in Nigeria.
Delivering judgment in favor of INEC, Justice Kekemeke held that no political party registered in the country possesses the constitutional authority to establish, maintain, or manage chapters and organize congresses outside the territorial boundaries of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Support Allowed, Chapters Banned
The court clarified that while Nigerians in the diaspora are constitutionally free to support, mobilize, and raise awareness for their preferred candidates or parties within Nigeria, political parties are barred from running formal structures abroad.
The judge warned that maintaining foreign chapters has officially crossed into criminal territory under Nigerian electoral laws.
According to the ruling:
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Any political party, individual, or group that operates, sponsors, promotes, or associates with a diaspora chapter of a Nigerian political party commits an offense.
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Any individual or group chairing, managing, or coordinating such illegal foreign chapters, or soliciting membership dues and financial contributions under their guise, commits an offense punishable by a ₦5 million fine, imprisonment, or both.
Implications for the 2027 Election Cycle
The ruling is expected to severely disrupt the mobilization, fundraising, and internal campaign structures of major political parties—including the APC, PDP, and Labour Party—who historically rely heavily on highly organized diaspora chapters in the UK, the United States, and Canada for financial backing and strategic international public relations.
Legal experts suggest the judgment will force political parties to immediately disband their foreign executive committees and re-route all diaspora-led support through domestic, state-based volunteer structures to avoid severe judicial sanctions and potential party deregistration.
Ayodele Quadri
Correspondent
