APC and PDP is trending because a Canadian Federal Court has declared the two political parties as Terrorist Groups.
This is after a politician, Douglas Egharevba who was active in PDP from 1999-2007 and APC from 2007-2017, moved to Canada in September, 2017 and applied for Asylum.
In his documents he disclosed his political background. Shortly after, he applied for asylum, in 2018, he was flagged over his affiliation with PDAPC, citing reports on electoral misconduct, sabotaging democracy and motivated killings. Which they defined as as terrorism per Canadian laws.
But Canadian Immigration only focused on PDP’s atrocities in 2003 and 2004., they believe since he (Doughlas) was in the party at the time, then he was aware and participated.
In 2019 his application was denied — the first time terrorism was linked to PDP.
He appealed, argued that the party leadership didn’t order anyone to be violent or snatch ballots and election violence and misconduct is akin to both parties. — this is where he involved APC.
In 2020, Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) ruled in his favor, because there was insufficient evidence that indeed, PDP leaders ochestrated the violence and subversion in 2003 State and 2004 LGA elections.
Alas, in 2024 IAD, secured new evidence and overturned their initial ruling.
This time IAD stated that; PDP engaged in subversion and terrorism, and as long as he is affiliated with the party by membership, then he’s inadmissible. The judge agreed.
Because, his party had the power to stop the violence. But instead allowed party loyalists snatch ballots, stuff ballots, intimidate voters, and kill opposition supporters and candidates, whilst they did nothing about it, as it benefited them.
Which met Canada’s legal definition of subversion of a democratic process under paragraph 34(1)(b.1) of the IRPA. — “accomplishing change by illicit means”
For that, and him admitting to being a member, whether for a long or short period, he cannot be admitted into Canada, as he’s also considered a threat, the judge ruled.
Douglas Egharevba still appealed. Arguing that there was violence in all parties, as it is a “rule of the game” and it’s unfair to only accuse PDP of subversion, since Nigerians elections are not seen as “democratic” per Canadian standard. And he also didn’t have a major role in the party.
The Judge insisted that, the elections was flawed but was a recognized democratic process, which they (both parties) sabotaged. But PDP did majority and benefited more from it. So, the judgement stands. This was given on June 17th,2025.
In essence, this would have only been a PDP problem. But Douglas Egharevba involved APC, basically saying they both cheated, so they shouldn’t only punish PDP. And the Judge listened.
Now, both parties are legally considered terrorism, violence and subversion groups, per Canadian legal definitions. Meaning, members of either party will be considered terrorists upon visit to Canada.
The case will not be re examined. He will be deported. Unless he maybe applies for PRRA and proves that deportation will endanger his life.
Both APC and PDP have distanced themselves from the judgement.
PDP claims the judge’s ruling is not “factual”. APC said they don’t care, as they don’t need any validation from Canada, because their laws have no extra territorial application.
