2027: AGF Joins Ex-Legislators Seeking De-registration of ADC, APP, AA, Two Others

Alex Enumah in Abuja

The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), has aligned with former legislators, seeking the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties, over alleged non-compliance with constitutional requirements.

The AGF is the second defendant, in the suit filed last year by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL).

The plaintiffs by the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/25, were asking a Federal High Court, to make an order compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the political parties listed as 3rd to 7th defendants.

The initial originating summons had only the ADC as the political party targeted for deregistration, but was subsequently amended to include the four others whose continued existence were said to have constituted a breach of the Constitution.

The others are Accord Party, Action People’s Party (APP), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) and Action Alliance (AA).

The trial judge, Justice Lifu, had last week adjourned till early May for hearing in the matter.

However, in his response to the suit, the AGF admitted “the plaintiffs’ suit to the extent of its constitutional responsibility”, adding that, as the Chief Law Officer of the Federation, he was the custodian and protector of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

He submitted that by virtue of Section 150(1) of of the Constitution, (as amended), he was responsible for the execution of laws which included the Constitution and Electoral Act, which was a crucial piece of legislation governing the conduct of elections in Nigeria.

In his reply filed on April 23, by his team of lawyers led by Prof J. O. Olatoke, SAN, the AGF observed that, “Supporting legal action that seeks to enforce constitutional observance is an essential part of the mandate of the 2nd Defendant.”

He added that by backing the plaintiffs, the AGF contributed to the establishment of legal precedent that reinforced the supremacy of the constitution, thereby fostering a culture of accountability and respect for the law.