APC Declaration, PDP as terrorist organizations …

A Federal Canadian Court, on June 25, 2025, declared all the Progressive Congress (APC) and the Popular Democratic Party (PDP) – The two Nigerian political parties – terrorist organizations!

This was born from the case of the asylum application by Douglas Egbarevba, a Nigerian politician who was once a member of PDP and subsequently, APC. He had sought refuge in Canada and quoted political persecution as a reason. However, he was denied following his belonging to PDP and APC.

The Canadian court considered that both the PDP and the APC have a history of political violence, murders, intimidation of voters, vote filling, violent repression of opposition, tear of the ballot boxes, etc. Etc.

To tell the truth, all the attributes and traits of APC and PDP cited by the Canadian court are equivalent to violence against the electorate of Nigeria – the masses. Therefore, it is logical to deduce that the Canadian court is correct in its declaration and judgment. I agree!

Terrorism is not only armed attacks, but also any action intended to intimidate or force the public, cause damage and stop public peace. The Canadian court had based its declaration on political violence, the murders, intimidation and harassment of the voters, the ballot boxes that hurry and other forms of harassment, humiliation and intimidation of the voters and the public under the clock of the two political parties. Therefore, it is logically correct to deduce that both parties – PDP and APC – are terrorist organizations.

In another development, it is metaphorically correct to declare the two -part terrorist organizations. Metaphor – a word figure and a powerful tool in literature and poetry – came to mind while reading the judgment.

As I examined, it was worrying that Nigeria is rapidly becoming a reduction of a broth in front of the nations Comita such as Rigging, violence during the elections, snatching the polls, killings during the elections and other electoral negligent in Nigeria are mentioned in the judgment. As a nation, we cannot afford to minimize this – it is time for a sober reflection.

It should be noted that the declaration was not made by a Nigerian activist, an opposition politician or a “enemy” perceived by the Nigerian government, but by a neutral organ without partisan interest – therefore it must not be fired, or minimized. Needless to underline, PDP and APC are the main political parties of the government in Nigeria since 1999. The PDP was the federal government party from 1999 to 2015. APC took over in 2015.

It will also be remembered that terrorism – Boko Haram, insurrection – broke out in Nigeria in 2009 when the PDP was the federal government party. Boko Haram and the insurrection not only thrived, but also bloom under APC as a party of the federal government. In addition, another nomenclature of terrorism – bandit – was born by tormenting both the Nigerian military and the civilians!

IPSO FACTO, is metaphorically correct to compare APC and PDP to terrorism.

Without being cheap of the truth, this is not the moment of shameful defense, denial, counter-argument, greatness or self-protectration by APC and PDP. Rather, it is time for a sober reflection. Once to reflect deeply on their shameful and evil past in order to correct their mistakes. A time to desist from any form of electoral negligence and violence that had obtained terrorist status by the Canadian court. A time to create space for internal and not total democracy and not for the charada and the deception for which they are known. Once to respect, defend and support the rule of law against self-exaltation and power-drunk. It is time to act sincerely as a vehicle and agent of positive and genuine change for the defenseless masses. Once to stop deception, extortion, harassment, intimidation, deprivation and short masses that change. Once to build a pro-massa government. Once to build a real democracy: a true democratic government and a government without corruption. A time to desist from rough, crooked, deceptive, dirty and archaic politics due to which Nigeria has become a supply of laughing among the nations. In fact, it’s time to build a real democracy.

In fact, it is the great time that APC and PDP have redeemed their image!

■ Dapo Atoki (08064172743) is the coordinator, center for liberty and social justice, Lagos.

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