By Ameh Gabriel
Abuja, August 16, 2025 — The Federal Government of Nigeria has strongly rejected a recent ruling by a Canadian Federal Court that allegedly designated certain Nigerian political parties as terrorist organizations.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) Spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Esq., the government described the ruling as “baseless, reckless, and a blatant interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs and democratic processes.”
The ruling stemmed from a case involving a Nigerian national, Mr. Douglas Egharevba, who arrived in Canada in September 2017 and sought refugee status under the country’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
MFA Condemns Sweeping Accusations
The MFA expressed deep regret that the Canadian Court, rather than addressing the individual circumstances of the asylum applicant, made a “sweeping accusation against the entire membership of a political party that has produced three democratically elected presidents.”
According to the Ministry, such classification effectively brands millions of Nigerians as potential terrorists a claim it described as “false, unacceptable, and damaging.”
“Nigeria is a sovereign nation with a robust constitutional and legal framework governing political activities. Our political parties are lawful entities that remain central to the country’s vibrant democracy. To associate them with terrorism, without credible evidence, is a grave misrepresentation that undermines Nigeria’s democratic institutions and could incite unnecessary tension,” the statement read.
Call for Retraction
The Federal Government urged Canadian authorities to immediately retract the designation and avoid actions that could be misinterpreted as endorsing politically motivated narratives against Nigeria.
It further stressed that diplomatic channels remain open and encouraged the Government of Canada to engage relevant Nigerian institutions to correct the error.
Nigeria’s Counterterrorism Commitment
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to the global fight against terrorism, the MFA noted that the country has made significant progress in combating extremist groups within its borders.
The Ministry also appealed to the international community to disregard the court ruling, describing it as a “misguided judgment that does not reflect Nigeria’s democratic governance or rule of law.”
Finally, the Nigerian government cautioned its citizens against making unfounded allegations against the state in pursuit of asylum or favours abroad, warning that such actions could damage Nigeria’s image and international relations.
