Prominent human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has urged Nigeria’s two major political parties, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to respond constructively to a recent Canadian court judgment branding them as organisations engaged in terror-related activities under Canadian law.
In a statement on Monday, Falana called on both parties to address the damning findings rather than dismissing them outright.
The ruling, issued by Justice Phuong Ngo of the Canadian Federal Court, came in a case involving a Nigerian asylum seeker, Douglas Egharevba, whose appeal was rejected partly on the basis that both APC and PDP were deemed to use violence, coercion, and subversion of democratic processes in pursuit of political power.
Falana described the verdict as having “far-reaching consequences” and stressed that the definition of terrorism under Nigeria’s own Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022 aligns closely with the behavior cited in the Canadian ruling.
“It is common knowledge that APC and PDP rig elections and announce fake results with the assistance of armed thugs, police, and military personnel,” Falana stated.
He criticized the parties’ responses to the court’s decision, APC’s labeling of the judge as “ignorant” and PDP’s dismissal of the ruling as “mischievous” saying both parties had dodged the core allegations.
“Rather than resorting to insults, the APC and PDP should urgently take legal steps to disprove the claim that they operate as terrorist organisations,” he said.
Falana warned that if the Canadian decision is adopted or referenced in countries like the U.S, U.K or France, party members may face visa bans, deportation, or other legal repercussions.
He advised the Federal Government to retain immigration lawyers abroad to manage the legal fallout and protect the broader image of Nigeria and its citizens.
“A mere diplomatic protest won’t reverse the judgment. The stigma will affect not only party members but all Nigerians if their government is seen as being controlled by ‘terrorist parties’,” he cautioned.
He further called on Nigerian authorities to enforce the Electoral Act rigorously, ensure that election offenders are prosecuted, and reaffirm the country’s commitment to free and fair democratic processes.
“Only through credible, transparent elections can Nigeria restore its image globally and refute such damaging narratives,” Falana concluded.
