The Attorney Genera of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi has backed a suit seeking the deregistration of several political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), over alleged constitutional violations.
The Attorney General’s position is contained in a notice filed before the Federal High Court, Abuja, in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026.
Defendants in the case include the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the AGF, ADC, Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), Accord (A), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
Fagbemi described his office as “the custodian and protector of the Constitution,” stressing its duty to support actions that enforce constitutional provisions.
“It is the constitutional responsibility of the Attorney General of the Federation to bring, defend or support any action for the observance of the provisions of the Constitution,” the notice stated.
He argued further that under Section 150(1) of the Constitution, the office is responsible for executing laws, including the Electoral Act governing elections. According to him, the AGF plays a dual role as both an advocate for the state and a defender of citizens’ rights, and must act in the public interest.
On party regulation, the AGF maintained that INEC has “no residual discretion” to retain parties that fail to meet the threshold outlined in Section 225A of the Constitution.
“The continued existence of non-performing political parties will inflate ballots, burden public funds, complicate election administration and undermine the constitutional intention,” the notice added.
He warned that any failure by INEC to act could amount to a continuing breach of constitutional duty, noting that the case highlights ongoing legal disputes over party regulation and electoral governance in Nigeria.
The suit was filed by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators against INEC, the AGF, and the affected political parties.
Counsel to the forum, Yakubu Ruba (SAN), told the court that the case seeks judicial interpretation of constitutional and statutory provisions governing the registration and continued recognition of political parties.
“We are before the court purely for constitutional interpretation. Some parties, in our view, have acted in breach of the Constitution, and we seek the court’s guidance on the relevant provisions,” he said.
