The Federal Government has condemned a recent ruling by a Canadian Federal Court which classified certain Nigerian political parties as “terrorist organisations,” calling the decision reckless, unfounded, and an unacceptable interference in the country’s internal affairs.
This was contained in a statement signed by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Kimiebi Ebienfa, on Friday.
The ruling, delivered in connection with an immigration case involving a Nigerian, Douglas Egharevba, who arrived in Canada in 2017 seeking refugee status labelled some Nigerian political organisations as having terrorist links.
FG said the “baseless classification is not only reckless but also constitutes an unacceptable interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs and democratic processes.”
The government insisted that the judgment failed to distinguish between individuals who may have committed offences and the broader membership of legitimate political entities.
“The Court made a sweeping accusation against the entire membership of a political party that has produced three democratically elected presidents, instead of focusing on individuals found wanting.
“The larger ramification of the decision is that every member of the mentioned political parties is a potential terrorist, and that is completely false and unacceptable,” the statement noted.
FG emphasised that its political system is governed by a robust legal and constitutional framework and that all recognized political parties operate within the law.
Officials warned that the ruling could foster misinformation and incite unnecessary tensions.
The ministry called on Canadian authorities to immediately reverse the decision and avoid endorsing politically motivated narratives that misrepresent Nigeria’s political landscape.
“Nigeria is a sovereign nation with a robust legal and constitutional framework governing political activities. Our political parties operate within the ambit of the law and are integral to the country’s vibrant democracy.
“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 of Nigeria, therefore, calls on the Canadian authorities to immediately retract this erroneous designation and refrain from actions that could be misconstrued as endorsing politically motivated narratives against Nigeria.
“Diplomatic channels remain open for constructive dialogue, and we urge the Government of Canada to engage with the relevant Nigerian institutions to rectify this error,” said Ebienfa.
Reaffirming its stance against terrorism, FG highlighted its ongoing efforts to combat extremism and its commitment to global security cooperation.
It also urged the international community to disregard what it described as a misguided ruling.
Additionally, the government cautioned Nigerian citizens against misrepresenting the country to foreign governments in pursuit of asylum or immigration advantages.
The Ministry reiterated its confidence in the country’s democratic system and called on global partners to support, rather than undermine, Nigeria’s commitment to the rule of law.
“Nigeria remains committed to the global fight against terrorism and has made significant strides in countering extremist groups within its borders; therefore, called on the international community to disregard this misguided ruling and reaffirm its confidence in Nigeria’s democratic governance and rule of law.
“The government further urges Nigerian nationals to refrain from making unfounded allegations against Nigeria under the pretext of seeking asylum or favours from foreign entities,” the statement concluded.
