Speaking on “Beyond Judicial Recognition of APC and PDP as Terrorist Societies,” Falana said the judgment should serve as a wake-up call to address electoral violence and impunity.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has cautioned that a recent Canadian court ruling labeling Nigeria’s All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as “terrorist organisations” could have far-reaching consequences for the country’s democracy and global image.
Speaking on “Beyond Judicial Recognition of APC and PDP as Terrorist Societies,” Falana said the judgment should serve as a wake-up call to address electoral violence and impunity. He argued that Nigeria’s Terrorism (Prevention) Act 2022 already defines terrorism broadly, yet peaceful protesters are prosecuted while politicians linked to deadly election practices remain shielded.
“The election riggers dare their opponents to go to court, and judges in turn confer legitimacy on stolen mandates,” he said.
Falana recalled violent rhetoric by past leaders, including Olusegun Obasanjo, Muhammadu Buhari, and Bola Tinubu, warning such utterances validate the court’s findings. He added that asylum claims by APC or PDP members risk rejection abroad, with potential deportations, visa denials, and international stigma.