The Federal Government of Nigeria has rejected a ruling by a Canadian Federal Court designating All Progressives Congress (APC) and the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as terrorist organisations.

FG described the decision as “baseless, reckless, and an unacceptable interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs.”

The ruling reportedly stemmed from the case of a Nigerian, Douglas Egharevba, who sought refugee status in Canada in 2017 under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. The court, in delivering its judgment, extended its declaration to include entire political parties in Nigeria.

“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 Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Friday.

The government insisted that Nigerian political parties operate within a robust legal and constitutional framework and are “integral to the country’s vibrant democracy.”

It warned that associating legitimate political organisations with terrorism without credible evidence undermines democratic institutions and risks inciting unnecessary tension.

Calling for an immediate retraction of the ruling, Nigeria urged Canadian authorities to avoid actions that could be interpreted as lending credence to politically motivated narratives against the country.

“Nigeria remains committed to the global fight against terrorism and has made significant strides in countering extremist groups within its borders. We call on the international community to disregard this misguided ruling and reaffirm its confidence in Nigeria’s democratic governance and rule of law,” the statement added.

The government also cautioned Nigerian nationals against making “unfounded allegations” against their home country in pursuit of asylum or favours abroad.