Court Dissolves APC’s UK and Foreign Chapters
The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, delivered a judgment on Wednesday that declared the establishment and operation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) chapters in the United Kingdom and other countries unlawful.
Legal Basis of the Ruling
Justice Peter Kekemeke, presiding over the case filed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), held that Nigerian political parties do not possess constitutional authority to create, maintain, or supervise structures beyond the nation’s territorial boundaries.
The judge stated that the APC “has no legal power and capacity to establish, hold, maintain, recognise, supervise, monitor, receive, maintain or solicit funds from any person of its political party membership in the executive committee or governing council outside the territory of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Financial Orders and Fund Transfer
The court also directed the APC to transfer more than ₦30 million — alleged proceeds from the sale of party forms by its foreign chapters — to INEC. The ruling emphasized that the party lacked legal capacity to raise or manage funds through structures located outside Nigeria.
INEC had informed the court that it intended to recover all monies allegedly collected unlawfully through the diaspora chapters, estimating the amount to exceed ₦30 million.
Obligations to Notify and Account for Diaspora Funds
Justice Kekemeke further declared that political parties must notify INEC of any donations received from individuals or organisations abroad and account for such funds within the constitutionally stipulated 21‑day period.
Implications for Nigerians Abroad
The judgment clarified that Nigerians living overseas remain free to support, campaign, and mobilise for their preferred candidates in Nigerian elections. However, such participation does not authorize parties to create formal chapters, hold congresses, or maintain executive committees in foreign countries.
Penalties for Non‑Compliance
The court warned that any person or organisation that establishes, sponsors, promotes, or manages a foreign chapter of a Nigerian political party could be committing an offence, potentially liable to a fine of ₦5 million and imprisonment.
INEC praised the ruling, noting that it granted all 14 reliefs sought in the suit, including five mandatory orders against the ruling party. The decision reinforces the constitutional restriction that political parties operate solely within Nigeria’s borders.
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