Canadian Court Denies Asylum Request Of Nigerian Politician Over Credibility Issues  

Ayonote, who had filed his refugee claim with the RPD, alleged that he faced persecution in Nigeria from members of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He stated that:
– In 2005, he was shot several times in an attack he attributed to APC supporters.
– In 2014, he received death threats from APC members after testifying in a corruption trial involving a party official.
– In 2018, he fled to Canada after being attacked at the airport alongside a PDP senator.

Ayonote claimed that returning to Nigeria would put his life at risk due to continued threats from APC members.

The RPD and RAD found Ayonote’s claims inconsistent and insufficiently supported by evidence.
– 2005 Incident: The RPD found no credible evidence linking the attack to APC supporters.
– 2014 Threats: The court determined that Ayonote had exaggerated events surrounding the alleged threats.
– Travel History: Ayonote’s trips to the United States in 2014 and 2015, and his return to Nigeria afterward, were deemed inconsistent with his claim of fearing for his life.
– 2018 Public Appearance: The RAD questioned why Ayonote attended a public gathering in 2018 if he was allegedly in hiding due to fear of persecution.

Justice Nowak upheld these findings, stating that Ayonote’s narrative lacked credibility and did not demonstrate a forward-facing risk of persecution should he return to Nigeria.

“Having reviewed the record and considered the parties’ written and oral submissions and having taken into account the applicable law, I find that the Applicant has failed to show that the RAD Decision is unreasonable,” Justice Nowak ruled.

The court dismissed Ayonote’s application for judicial review, effectively ending his bid for asylum in Canada.

Ayonote had framed his persecution claims around political rivalry with the APC, which was established in 2013 through a merger of several opposition parties. However, the court ruled that his allegations failed to meet the criteria necessary to establish refugee protection under Canadian law.

For Ayonote, the judgment signals the end of his legal battle to secure refugee status in Canada.