As AGF Chases Mundane Issues

One of the reasons why many Nigerians have been clamouring for the separation of the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, is to insulate the AGF it from politics.

 Their argument is that while the office of the Attorney General of the Federation can exclusively manage legal cases as the chief law officer of the federation, that of the Minister of Justice can play politics.

The incumbent Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) confirmed the fears of those clamouring for the separation of these offices when he threw his weight behind a suit seeking the de-registration of some political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), over alleged constitutional breaches.

The position of the AGF was contained in a notice filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026.

The defendants in the suit are the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Attorney General of the Federation, African Democratic Congress, Action Alliance, Action Peoples Party, Accord, and Zenith Labour Party.

Essentially, the argument of the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL) which filed the suit, is that since the political parties have failed to win elective seats or secure the minimum constitutional threshold in elections, they shouldn’t be recognised, and should be de-registered.

The AGF stated that it was “the custodian and protector of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria” and had a duty to support actions aimed at enforcing constitutional provisions.”

Nigerians are wondering what the AGF’s concern is with political parties even if there are 100. Is it the federal government’s resources that are used to run them?

Gone are the days when INEC used to give subventions to political parties. It is no longer the case. So why should the AGF be concerned? The answer is simple: He does not want the opposition to rise and challenge the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

There are so many things that should keep the AGF and his office busy. It is not political parties – whether they won elections or not.

It shouldn’t that it is when it comes to mundane issues that the AGF will remembers that he is the custodian and protector of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria?

There have been instances where the federal and state governments breached the constitution and the AGF would look away.