AGF backs suit to deregister ADC, four other parties before 2027

The bid by the Forum of former Legislators to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister five political parties has gained momentum after the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) aligned with the plaintiffs at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Although listed as a defendant in the suit, the AGF took a contrasting position, supporting calls for the deregistration of parties including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Action Alliance, Action Peoples Party, and Zenith Labour Party ahead of the 2027 general elections. He argued that their continued existence may contravene constitutional provisions and undermine Nigeria’s electoral integrity.

The AGF maintained that political association rights are not absolute and must comply with constitutional requirements. He further argued that INEC has a constitutional duty under Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to deregister parties that fail to meet minimum electoral performance thresholds, warning that failure to do so could amount to a breach of its statutory obligations.

The suit, filed by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators, is asking the court to compel INEC to remove the affected parties from its register, citing poor performance in the 2023 elections and subsequent by-elections as evidence of non-compliance with constitutional benchmarks.

The plaintiffs also want the court to restrain the affected parties from participating in the 2027 elections, including fielding candidates or engaging in political activities such as primaries and campaigns, arguing that their continued recognition distorts the electoral system and increases administrative burden.

In his filing, the AGF stressed that the case is in the public interest and aimed at strengthening democratic processes, noting that enforcement of electoral laws is essential to maintaining public confidence in elections. He also highlighted that the use of “shall” in the Constitution imposes a mandatory duty on INEC, leaving no room for discretion once parties fail to meet required standards.

The case continues before the Federal High Court in Abuja, with far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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