The Attorney-General of the Federation has declared support for a suit seeking the deregistration of several political parties, including the African Democratic Congress and Accord Party, over alleged violations of constitutional provisions.
The position of the AGF was contained in a notice filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026.
Parties listed as defendants in the case include the Independent National Electoral Commission, the Attorney-General of the Federation, African Democratic Congress, Action Alliance, Action Peoples Party, Accord Party, and Zenith Labour Party.
In the notice filed pursuant to Order 15 Rule 1 of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019, the AGF, named as the second defendant, stated that it supported the plaintiff’s case in line with its constitutional mandate.
The office maintained that it bears the responsibility of upholding and protecting the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, including supporting legal actions aimed at enforcing its provisions.
According to the filing, the AGF has the authority to initiate, defend, or support proceedings that promote adherence to constitutional requirements.
It further cited Section 150(1) of the Constitution, which empowers the AGF to oversee the enforcement of laws, including those governing the electoral process.
The AGF also argued that its role extends to acting in the public interest, balancing its duties as a representative of the state and a defender of citizens’ rights.
The notice stressed that backing the suit would promote justice, ensure proper interpretation of laws, and strengthen collaboration between government institutions and citizens in enforcing legal standards.
It added that such support aligns with efforts to safeguard constitutional provisions and enhance accountability within the political system.
The AGF further noted that access to justice remains critical in a democratic setting, particularly for citizens who may lack the resources to challenge constitutional violations.
It argued that its intervention would help bridge that gap and reinforce the supremacy of the Constitution.
The filing also maintained that the plaintiff had sufficient legal interest to question alleged infractions within the electoral system.
Citing Section 225A of the Constitution, the AGF explained that the provision was designed to address the proliferation of political parties and the challenges it poses to election management.
It argued that INEC lacks discretionary powers to retain the registration of parties that fail to meet the constitutional threshold.
According to the AGF, the continued existence of non-performing political parties could overcrowd ballot papers, strain public resources, and complicate electoral administration.
The office added that any failure by INEC to deregister such parties would amount to a breach of its constitutional duties, which could be challenged through public interest litigation.
The case marks a fresh legal contest over the status of political parties and the extent of INEC’s powers under the Constitution and the Electoral Act.