The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) has aligned with a lawsuit before the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking the deregistration of several political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), over alleged breaches of constitutional provisions.
The AGF’s position was outlined in a notice filed in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026, as seen in documents obtained from Tribune Online.
The suit lists the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Attorney General of the Federation, ADC, Action Alliance, Action Peoples Party, Accord, and Zenith Labour Party as defendants.
Filed under Order 15 Rule 1 of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019, the AGF, as second defendant, said it was in partial agreement with the plaintiff’s claims “to the extent of its constitutional responsibility.”
The office described itself as “the custodian and protector of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” stressing its duty to support enforcement of constitutional provisions where necessary.
“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 of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the document stated.
It further cited Section 150(1) of the Constitution, noting that the AGF is responsible for the execution of laws, including electoral laws governing political participation.
“The 2nd Defendant has dual role as both an advocate for the state and defender of citizen rights, must act in public interest in supporting the Plaintiff’s case for the promotion of justice and ensure that laws are interpreted and applied correctly,” the filing added.
According to the AGF, its office is expected to work alongside relevant government agencies and citizens to ensure proper enforcement of laws.
It maintained that supporting the case is consistent with its mandate to uphold constitutional order and legality.
The AGF also argued that its involvement would strengthen access to justice for citizens seeking to challenge alleged violations of constitutional rights.
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“The Attorney General’s support helps bridge the gap in facilitating access to justice for Plaintiffs who seek to challenge violation of their constitutional rights,” it stated.
It added that backing the suit would reinforce constitutional supremacy and promote accountability within the electoral system.
“By backing Plaintiff herein, the 2nd Defendant contributes to the establishment of legal precedent that reinforces the supremacy of the Constitution, thereby fostering a culture of accountability and respect for the law,” the notice read.
The office further argued that the plaintiff had the legal standing to question alleged constitutional breaches in the electoral framework.
It referenced Section 225A of the Constitution, which it said was introduced to address challenges such as overcrowded ballots and electoral inefficiencies.
The filing also claimed that INEC lacks discretion to retain political parties that fail to meet constitutional thresholds.
It warned that allowing such parties to remain registered could overburden elections, increase public spending, and undermine electoral efficiency.
“The continued existence of nonperforming political parties will inflate the ballots, burden public funds, complicate election administration and undermine the constitutional intention behind Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution,” it stated.
The AGF further described any failure by INEC to deregister non-compliant parties as a continuing breach of constitutional duty that may be challenged in court.
The matter forms part of a broader legal dispute over political party regulation and the scope of INEC’s powers under Nigeria’s electoral framework.