Falana to APC, PDP: Address Terrorism Allegations
Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to demonstrate through legal and constitutional means that they are not terrorist organisations.
This follows a ruling by a Canadian Federal Court which classified the two dominant Nigerian political parties as entities involved in acts amounting to terrorism.
TJ News Nigeria reports that the court, presided over by Justice Phuong Ngo, made the pronouncement while dismissing the asylum application of a Nigerian, Douglas Egharevba. In her judgment, the judge stated that the APC and PDP were “terrorist organisations” because of their alleged reliance on violence, coercion, and subversion of democratic institutions to seize political power.
Court Ruling Sparks Political Reactions
The ruling has generated strong reactions in Nigeria. The APC dismissed the judgment as a product of ignorance, while the PDP described it as mischievous. However, Falana, in a statement on Monday, criticised both parties for attacking the judge rather than addressing the substantive allegations. “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 said. He noted that electoral violence, killings, and intimidation of voters have plagued Nigeria’s democracy for years, with little to no accountability for perpetrators.
Falana’s Warning on Global Consequences
Falana further warned that the ruling could have far-reaching implications beyond Canada. According to him, if the decision is registered in other jurisdictions such as the United States, United Kingdom, and France, Nigerians who are members of the APC or PDP may face visa denials, revocations, or deportation. “Instead of abusing the Canadian judge, the APC and PDP should urgently adopt legal measures to prove that they are not terrorist organisations,” he advised. The lawyer urged the Federal Government to act swiftly, stressing that a diplomatic protest alone cannot overturn the ruling.
Call for Federal Government Intervention
Falana called on the Federal Government to hire immigration lawyers to challenge the implications of the judgment in international courts. He warned that the ruling could stigmatize Nigeria globally, especially since successive governments have been formed by the APC and PDP. “The collateral damage will certainly affect other citizens since the government of their homeland has been sponsored by two terrorist political parties,” Falana stated. He also tasked Nigerian security agencies and the judiciary to ensure that political parties and their members comply strictly with constitutional provisions and electoral laws during future elections.
Key Takeaway
The Canadian court ruling branding Nigeria’s leading political parties as “terrorist organisations” has sparked a new debate on electoral violence and governance in the country. Falana’s challenge underscores the need for APC, PDP, and the Federal Government to go beyond verbal denials and take concrete legal steps to safeguard Nigeria’s international image and protect its citizens abroad.
