A High Court in the Federal Capital Territory, located in Maitama, has deemed the United Kingdom chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) unlawful.
The court additionally determined that diaspora chapters managed by Nigerian political parties lack legal authorisation under the nation’s constitution.
Justice Peter Kekemeke, in delivering the judgement on Wednesday, also annulled the APC congress held in the United Kingdom, so concluding a legal contention about the ability of Nigerian political parties to form and run branches abroad.
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, initiated the action under suit number CV/187/2025.
INEC requested the court to ascertain the legitimacy of the APC’s UK chapter and the congress organised by the group.
The judge determined that the Nigerian Constitution and current electoral legislation do not acknowledge expatriate branches of political parties established in the nation. APC Party Merchandise
He asserts that no political party possesses the jurisdiction to create, sustain, or execute official activities beyond Nigeria’s territorial limits.
The court determined that Nigerians residing overseas may endorse political candidates and engage in political discourse concerning their nation; however, political parties are prohibited from establishing formal structures or chapters outside Nigeria.
The judge determined that any congress, conference, or official activity performed under the auspices of a diaspora branch is constitutionally invalid. The court consequently annulled the APC UK congress and all actions derived from it.
Justice Kekemeke additionally determined that political parties lack the authority to convene congresses for members residing outside Nigeria.
He stated that the constitution explicitly delineates the framework for political parties’ operations and does not permit the formation of abroad chapters.2027: Court rules APC UK conference unlawful, published on July 15, 2026.Authored by Matthew Atungwu
A High Court in the Federal Capital Territory, located in Maitama, has deemed the United Kingdom chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) unlawful.
The court additionally determined that diaspora chapters managed by Nigerian political parties lack legal authorisation under the nation’s constitution.
Justice Peter Kekemeke, in delivering the judgement on Wednesday, also annulled the APC congress held in the United Kingdom, so concluding a legal contention about the ability of Nigerian political parties to form and run branches abroad.
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, initiated the action under suit number CV/187/2025.
INEC requested the court to ascertain the legitimacy of the APC’s UK chapter and the congress organised by the group.
The judge determined that the Nigerian Constitution and current electoral legislation do not acknowledge expatriate branches of political parties established in the nation. APC Party Merchandise
He asserts that no political party possesses the jurisdiction to create, sustain, or execute official activities beyond Nigeria’s territorial limits.
The court determined that Nigerians residing overseas may endorse political candidates and engage in political discourse concerning their nation; however, political parties are prohibited from establishing formal structures or chapters outside Nigeria.
The judge determined that any congress, conference, or official activity performed under the auspices of a diaspora branch is constitutionally invalid. The court consequently annulled the APC UK congress and all actions derived from it.
Justice Kekemeke additionally determined that political parties lack the authority to convene congresses for members residing outside Nigeria.
He stated that the constitution explicitly delineates the framework for the operation of political parties and does not permit the formation of abroad chapters.