AGF Backs Court Move to Scrap Underperforming Political Parties
Nigeria’s Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, has thrown his weight behind a legal action seeking to deregister political parties accused of failing to meet constitutional standards.
The position was outlined in filings before a Federal High Court in Abuja, where the AGF supported a suit targeting several parties, including the African Democratic Congress and others.
According to the filing, the AGF said his office has a constitutional duty to uphold the law and support actions that enforce compliance with Nigeria’s electoral framework.
The case, brought by a group of former lawmakers, is asking the court to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission to remove parties that have failed to meet performance benchmarks required by law.
At the centre of the dispute is Section 225A of the Constitution, which allows INEC to deregister parties that do not win a minimum level of votes or secure elective positions.
The AGF argued that keeping such parties on the ballot increases election costs, complicates voting, and goes against the intention of the law.
He also maintained that supporting the lawsuit aligns with public interest, especially in ensuring accountability and strengthening democratic processes.
Legal documents further stated that the continued recognition of inactive or non-performing parties could amount to a breach of constitutional responsibility by electoral authorities.
The suit names multiple parties and raises questions about whether INEC has the discretion to retain them despite poor electoral performance.
Observers say the case could significantly reshape Nigeria’s political space, especially as preparations gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
If the court rules in favour of the plaintiffs, several smaller parties could be removed from the political register, reducing the number of options on the ballot.
The development has sparked debate over political inclusion versus efficiency, with some arguing that deregistration could streamline elections, while others warn it may limit democratic participation.
As the case progresses, attention will remain on the court’s interpretation of constitutional provisions and its potential impact on Nigeria’s party system.