The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has withdrawn recognition of its chapters operating outside Nigeria, citing a subsisting court judgment that reportedly restricts Nigerian political parties from establishing and supervising branches abroad.

The party announced the decision on Sunday through its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, who said the move followed a review of the party’s relationship with its foreign-based chapters.

According to Director, the decision was taken in deference to a judgment delivered by Justice Peter Kekemeke of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama in a case involving Professor Ali Alao, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and another party.

The suit, identified as No. CV/187/2025, reportedly addressed the legal status of diaspora chapters established by political parties registered in Nigeria.

The NDC spokesperson said the court held that Nigerian political parties lacked the legal authority to establish, operate or supervise chapters outside the country’s territorial boundaries.

Consequently, the party said it was halting recognition of its foreign chapters and withdrawing all previously granted recognition in compliance with the judgment.

Despite the decision, the NDC expressed appreciation to Nigerians living abroad for their support, loyalty and contributions to the party.

Director disclosed that the party had begun a harmonisation process in locations where multiple groups were operating, with the aim of bringing them together under a unified structure.

He added that the party was still reviewing the judgment and had referred the matter to its legal department for further advice and guidance.

The NDC also acknowledged the interest of Nigerians in the diaspora in its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly its presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

The party encouraged its supporters abroad to remain engaged, continue interacting and maintain their political interests through appropriate and lawful channels.

The development comes as political parties prepare for the 2027 elections, with the NDC indicating that its withdrawal of formal recognition would not prevent continued engagement with supporters outside Nigeria.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has appointed Bashorun Akinwale Akinwole, popularly known as Wolekanle, as his new Chief of Staff following the resignation of his predecessor, Segun Ogunwuyi.

The appointment was announced on Monday, October 12, 2026, in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde. The new appointment takes immediate effect.

Akinwole previously served as chairman of the Oyo State Local Government Service Commission. He is a grassroots politician from Ogbomoso, the same hometown as Ogunwuyi.

Alongside the appointment, Makinde named Mrs Aderonke Adedayo as Director-General of the state’s Due Process Office. Adedayo, who currently serves as Special Adviser on General Intervention and Donor Agencies, will retain her existing position while taking on the additional responsibility.

The appointments followed Ogunwuyi’s resignation earlier on Monday. In his resignation letter, dated October 12, he said his decision took immediate effect and expressed gratitude to Makinde for the opportunity to serve the government and people of Oyo State.

Ogunwuyi, a former member of the Oyo State House of Assembly and the House of Representatives, did not publicly state any political disagreement as the reason for his resignation.

The departure comes amid the recent exits of several political appointees from the Makinde administration. However, no official reason linking Ogunwuyi’s resignation to the wider political developments has been established.

Governor Makinde congratulated the new appointees and urged them to discharge their responsibilities with loyalty, commitment and dedication to public service.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is scheduled to inaugurate the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The inauguration will take place at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, bringing together party leaders and other stakeholders to coordinate the ruling party’s campaign activities.

Former Zamfara State Governor, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, who serves as Director-General of the campaign council, disclosed the development on Friday after meeting with Tinubu at the Presidential Villa. He said the President had approved the proposed campaign timetable.

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma is the council’s secretary, while former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr Betta Edu, is expected to play a key role in its women mobilisation directorate.

The campaign council is expected to coordinate the APC’s preparations for Tinubu’s re-election bid, including grassroots mobilisation, communication and engagement with voters across the country.

According to Yari, the campaign is scheduled to begin with a rally in Kaduna on October 24, before moving to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and Maiduguri, Borno State.

Ahead of the formal inauguration, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and members of the women mobilisation team have reportedly begun grassroots engagement across the country.

The team has set a target of mobilising 40 million women’s votes for the Tinubu-Shettima ticket through outreach across communities and polling-unit structures in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The October 14 event is expected to formally activate the campaign council’s operations as the APC begins preparations for the 2027 presidential election.