The Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, has thrown his weight behind a legal action seeking the deregistration of several political parties, arguing that their continued existence violates constitutional provisions and undermines Nigeria’s electoral system.
In a notice filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026, the AGF, listed as a defendant alongside the Independent National Electoral Commission and multiple political parties, said it supports the suit in line with its constitutional mandate to uphold and protect the law.
The parties affected by the case include the African Democratic Congress, Action Alliance, Action Peoples Party, Accord, and Zenith Labour Party.
According to the filing, the AGF said its office is constitutionally empowered to initiate, defend or support actions that ensure compliance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, stressing that its intervention in the case is driven by public interest and the need to strengthen the rule of law.
The AGF argued that its role includes enforcing laws such as the Electoral Act and ensuring that democratic processes operate within constitutional limits. It added that supporting the suit would also help bridge the gap for citizens who may lack the resources to challenge constitutional violations in court.
Central to the case is Section 225A of the Constitution, which provides conditions under which political parties can be deregistered. The AGF maintained that the electoral body has no discretion to retain parties that fail to meet the prescribed performance benchmarks, warning that doing so amounts to a breach of constitutional duty.
The filing further stated that the continued existence of underperforming political parties contributes to overcrowded ballot papers, strains public resources, complicates election management, and defeats the purpose of electoral reforms aimed at streamlining the political landscape.
It also emphasised that any refusal by INEC to act in line with these provisions could be challenged through public interest litigation, reinforcing the principle that constitutional compliance is not optional.
The AGF added that backing the suit would help establish legal precedent that strengthens accountability, promotes constitutional supremacy, and ensures that electoral laws are properly interpreted and applied.
The case marks a fresh legal battle over the powers of INEC and the future of several political parties, with broader implications for Nigeria’s democratic process and party system ahead of future elections.
