The Federal Court of Canada has upheld a ruling declaring Nigeria’s two main political parties
The Federal Court of Canada has upheld a ruling declaring Nigeria’s two main political parties, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), as engaged in terrorism and democratic subversion.
Justice Phuong T.V. Ngo, in a June 17, 2025 judgment, dismissed the asylum application of Nigerian politician Douglas Egharevba, citing his admitted PDP membership as grounds for inadmissibility under Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
The court supported Immigration Appeal Division findings that both parties have long engaged in political violence, voter intimidation, ballot stuffing, and murder. “The conduct of individuals who are members of the PDP… is too widespread and persistent… to dissociate the leadership of the party from their actions,” Ngo stated.
While both parties were implicated, the PDP was found responsible for most acts, especially during its 16 years in power.
The court rejected Egharevba’s claim that such violence is part of Nigeria’s “rules of the game,” affirming it constitutes terrorism and subversion.