AGF Backs Suit to Deregister ADC, Accord, Others Ahead of 2027 Polls

Also Read

 

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice has aligned with a group of former lawmakers seeking a court order to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister five political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The legal action, filed by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators at the Federal High Court in Abuja, targets the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), Accord Party, and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

Although listed as a defendant in the suit, the Attorney General, in a notable turn, threw his weight behind the plaintiffs’ position, arguing that the continued existence of the affected parties violates constitutional provisions and weakens Nigeria’s electoral system.

In court filings, the Minister maintained that political parties must meet constitutional requirements to retain their registration, stressing that the right to association is not absolute but subject to legal limits.

He further argued that INEC risks breaching its constitutional duties by retaining parties that fail to meet the minimum performance thresholds outlined in Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as well as provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.

The plaintiffs contend that the affected parties performed poorly in the 2023 general elections and subsequent by-elections, failing to secure at least 25 per cent of votes in any state during presidential elections or win elective seats at any level of government—conditions required to remain registered.

According to them, INEC’s continued recognition of such parties is unlawful and undermines electoral integrity.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026, seeks a declaration that INEC is obligated to deregister any political party that fails to meet constitutional benchmarks. It also requests orders barring the affected parties from participating in elections or engaging in political activities until they comply with legal requirements.

Supporting the case, the Attorney General stated that his role includes ensuring strict adherence to the Constitution and promoting public confidence in the electoral process. He described the matter as one of public interest, aimed at strengthening democratic accountability and legal compliance.

The plaintiffs also argued that the use of the word “shall” in the Constitution imposes a mandatory duty on INEC to deregister non-compliant parties, leaving no room for discretion.

They warned that failure to act could lead to continued legal challenges and further strain on Nigeria’s electoral system, including increased costs and ballot congestion.

The Federal High Court in Abuja is expected to determine whether INEC is constitutionally bound to remove underperforming political parties from its register before preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.