AGF Backs Suit to Deregister ADC, Accord, Three Others

At the Federal High Court in Abuja, the Attorney General of the Federation joined a group of former lawmakers in a legal move seeking the deregistration of five political parties before the 2027 elections.

The case involves the Independent National Electoral Commission, which is listed as a defendant alongside the Attorney General, while the parties affected include the African Democratic Congress, Accord Party, Action Alliance, Action Peoples Party and Zenith Labour Party.

The suit was filed by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators at the Abuja division of the court. The group is asking the court to compel INEC to remove the listed parties from its register, arguing that they failed to meet the constitutional conditions required to remain active political parties.

Although the Attorney General is officially a defendant in the case, he aligned with the position of the former lawmakers. He argued that allowing the parties to continue operating goes against constitutional provisions and weakens the electoral process. He maintained that INEC has a duty under the law to remove parties that do not meet the required standards.

According to the filings before the court, the case is built around Section 225A of the Constitution, which outlines conditions for the deregistration of political parties.

The plaintiffs claimed that the affected parties did not meet the required performance level in the 2023 general elections and subsequent polls, as they failed to secure enough votes or win seats across different levels of government.

They further argued that keeping such parties on the register creates unnecessary pressure on the electoral system and increases the cost of conducting elections. The group also said that it weakens accountability within the political space.

In addition to asking for the removal of the parties, the plaintiffs want the court to stop them from taking part in future elections, including primaries, campaigns and rallies, unless they meet constitutional requirements.

The Attorney General, in his submission, stated that his office has a responsibility to ensure that laws governing elections are followed. He added that supporting the case is part of his duty to uphold the Constitution and ensure that public institutions act within the law.

The suit also raised the issue of whether INEC has any discretion in retaining parties that fail to meet the set conditions. The plaintiffs argued that the law leaves no room for choice once a party falls short of the requirements.

The case is expected to determine the fate of the affected parties as preparations for the 2027 elections continue, with both sides presenting arguments on the interpretation of the law and the role of INEC in regulating political parties.