A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Maitama has declared diaspora chapters of Nigerian political parties unconstitutional and nullified the All Progressives Congress (APC) congress conducted in the United Kingdom.
Delivering judgment on Wednesday, Justice Peter Kekemeke ruled in favor of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), holding that political parties registered in Nigeria have no constitutional authority to establish or operate chapters outside the country’s territorial boundaries.
The suit, marked CV/187/2025, was filed by INEC seeking the nullification of the APC’s UK Diaspora chapter and its congress.
Justice Kekemeke held that diaspora chapters of Nigerian political parties are illegal, unconstitutional and unknown to the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The court further ordered that more than N30 million realized from the sale of nomination forms during the APC UK congress be transferred to INEC.
According to the judge, while Nigerians living abroad are free to support and campaign for their preferred candidates, the Constitution does not permit political parties to establish overseas chapters or organize congresses outside Nigeria.
He ruled that political parties cannot administer or conduct internal party activities for members residing in the diaspora.
The court further held that any political party, individual or group that establishes, operates, sponsors or promotes a diaspora chapter of a Nigerian political party commits an offense.
Justice Kekemeke also ruled that any person who chairs or manages such a chapter, or solicits membership dues and other financial contributions on its behalf, is liable to sanctions, including a N5 million fine and imprisonment.
INEC had argued that the APC UK congress violated Nigeria’s constitutional and legal framework regulating political parties.
The electoral commission also sought to recover all funds allegedly generated through the congress, estimated at over N30 million.
The court granted all 14 reliefs sought by INEC, including five mandatory orders, effectively ending the legal recognition of diaspora chapters of Nigerian political parties.
