FG to Canada: Retract ‘Terrorist’ Tag on Nigerian Political Parties

The Federal Government has demanded that Canada immediately withdraw a Canadian Federal Court ruling that classified certain Nigerian political parties as terrorist organizations, describing the decision as reckless, baseless, and a direct interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs and democratic processes.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa said the controversial designation arose from a case involving a Nigerian national, Mr. Douglas Egharevba, who arrived in Canada in September 2017 and applied for inland refugee status under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act of Canada. The ministry criticised the court for making what it described as a sweeping judgment against the entire membership of a political party that has produced three democratically elected presidents, instead of focusing on individuals found guilty of wrongdoing.

According to the statement, the broader implication of such a ruling is that all members of the affected political parties could now be seen as potential terrorists, a notion the Nigerian government insists is completely false and unacceptable. The ministry stressed that Nigeria’s political parties operate strictly within the country’s constitutional and legal frameworks and remain an essential part of its vibrant democratic system.

“The baseless classification is not only reckless but also constitutes an unacceptable interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs and democratic processes,” the statement read. “To associate legitimate political entities with terrorism without credible evidence is a grave misrepresentation that undermines Nigeria’s democratic institutions and could incite unnecessary tension.”

The Federal Government urged Canadian authorities to rescind the designation and avoid actions that might be construed as endorsing politically motivated narratives against Nigeria. It assured that diplomatic channels remain open for constructive dialogue and encouraged Canada to engage with relevant Nigerian institutions to rectify what it called a serious error.

Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to the global fight against terrorism, the government highlighted its progress in countering extremist groups within its borders and called on the international community to disregard the Canadian court’s decision. It also issued a warning to Nigerians abroad, urging them to refrain from making unfounded allegations against their country in order to obtain asylum or secure other favours from foreign governments.

The statement concluded by underscoring Nigeria’s sovereignty and the legitimacy of its democratic structures, asserting that its political parties remain lawful, credible, and central to the nation’s governance.