An FCT High Court situated in Maitama has officially ruled that diaspora branches of Nigerian political organizations lack legal standing, resulting in the invalidation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) congress previously conducted in the United Kingdom.
This decision stems from a lawsuit initiated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) under file number CV/187/2025. Justice Peter Kekemeke determined that establishing or managing political chapters outside Nigeria violates the country’s constitutional framework. While the judge acknowledged that citizens living abroad are free to advocate for their chosen candidates, he emphasized that parties have no legal authority to create international branches or host foreign congresses.
The court further mandated that the APC forfeit more than N30 million earned from form sales to INEC. Additionally, the ruling establishes that any entity or person involved in promoting or managing these illegal chapters faces severe legal consequences, including potential imprisonment and a fine of N5 million. Justice Kekemeke upheld all 14 arguments presented by INEC, effectively ending the debate regarding the legitimacy of such overseas operations.
