In a shocking development with global implications, Canada’s High Court has declared Nigeria’s two main political parties — the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) — as terrorist organisations.
This unprecedented ruling has already resulted in Nigerians being denied permanent residency and facing deportation simply for being members of these parties or working in certain Nigerian security institutions.
In this episode of The Other Side, Rimamnde Shawulu Kwewum examines what this means for Nigerians both at home and abroad, and how actions in Nigeria’s political and security space are now having severe consequences far beyond the country’s borders.
Case 1: Former Nigerian Policeman Denied PR in Canada Former corporal Juan Monde Iyangbe Eriyato applied for permanent residency in Canada, only to be rejected because of his service in the Nigerian Police Force, which Canadian authorities and courts have labelled as a corrupt institution. The decision was upheld by Canada’s High Court, making him ineligible to stay in the country. This case is a stark reminder that corruption and human rights violations in Nigerian institutions can now directly affect individuals seeking opportunities abroad.
Case 2: Nigerian Politician’s Membership in PDP & APC Leads to Visa Ban Just months earlier, another Nigerian Douglas Egharevba was denied permanent residency because of his past membership in both the PDP and APC. Canadian authorities referenced evidence, petitions, and human rights reports alleging electoral violence, voter intimidation, and democratic subversion linked to these parties. The High Court ruling effectively placed these political organisations in the same legal category as designated terrorist groups under Canadian law.
Why Canada’s Decision Matters Globally
This is not an isolated legal move. Human rights organisations have for years submitted detailed reports to governments in North America and Europe about electoral violence, ballot snatching, voter intimidation, and the use of political thugs during Nigerian elections. Images from the 2023 elections in Lagos, Rivers, and other states — showing threats against voters, underage voting, ballot box snatching, and violence at polling units — have been widely circulated internationally.
The absence of prosecutions in Nigeria for these acts is increasingly being interpreted abroad as state tolerance for anti-democratic behaviour. With global migration tightening and more Nigerians trying to leave due to economic hardship, there is growing concern that other countries in Europe and North America may follow Canada’s lead. This could mean widespread visa bans, deportations, and even restrictions on Nigerian political elites and their associates.
The Bigger Message to Nigerians
Canada’s ruling sends a clear message: Political actions at home have consequences abroad. Global information sharing means no incident is truly “local” anymore. International law increasingly holds individuals accountable for corruption, human rights abuses, and democratic subversion.
As Shawulu notes, the world has become a global village. Technology ensures that incidents in Nigeria — from electoral malpractice to police brutality — are documented and can be used as evidence in foreign courts. The #EndSARS protests were a vivid example of how local grievances can gain international attention and influence policy.
What Could Happen Next
• Expansion of Visa Restrictions: More countries may impose entry bans on Nigerians linked to political violence or corrupt institutions.
• Targeted Sanctions: Former governors, current state leaders, and political party officials could face travel bans and asset freezes.
• Wider Institutional Scrutiny: Nigerian security agencies and electoral bodies could be flagged as compromised, affecting the career prospects of anyone associated with them.
Key Questions Raised in This Episode
• Should other countries follow Canada’s example in sanctioning Nigerian political and security actors?
• Will this pressure force Nigerian leaders to reform electoral and governance processes?
• Can Nigeria repair its international image before more doors are closed to its citizens?
🎥 Watch the full episode to hear Rimamnde Shawulu Kwewum’s detailed breakdown of these landmark rulings, the evidence behind them, and the dangerous precedent they set for the future of Nigerian migration and diplomacy.
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