The Federal Government of Nigeria has rejected a recent ruling by a Canadian Federal Court that designated certain Nigerian political parties as “terrorist organizations.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, described the decision as a “baseless and unacceptable interference” in Nigeria’s internal affairs and democratic processes.
The court’s ruling arose from a refugee application by Nigerian national, Mr. Douglas Egharevba, who arrived in Canada in September 2017. The Nigerian government criticized the blanket classification, noting that one of the affected parties has produced three democratically elected presidents, and warning that the judgment wrongly implicates all its members as potential terrorists.
“This sweeping and unfounded designation is misleading, damaging, and contrary to the facts,” the statement read, stressing that all registered political parties in Nigeria operate within the bounds of the law.
The Federal Government called on Canadian authorities to withdraw the designation and engage in constructive diplomatic dialogue to address the matter. It reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the global fight against terrorism, urging the international community to disregard the court’s decision.
The statement also cautioned Nigerians against making false claims that could damage the country’s reputation in pursuit of asylum or other benefits abroad.
