A fresh political storm is brewing ahead of the 2027 general elections as the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has urged the court to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister five political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Action Peoples Party (APP).
Fagbemi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, threw his weight behind an ongoing suit seeking to enforce constitutional provisions that mandate the deregistration of political parties that fail to meet electoral performance benchmarks.
According to court filings, the federal government is backing arguments that the affected parties have not satisfied the requirements needed to retain their legal status, particularly in terms of electoral victories and national spread.
The move signals a potentially sweeping shake-up of Nigeria’s political landscape, as INEC could be compelled to prune the growing list of registered parties ahead of the next election cycle.
Legal analysts say the case could redefine the boundaries of party participation and strengthen compliance with electoral laws, while critics warn it may narrow political space and limit emerging voices.
As proceedings unfold, all eyes are on the court’s decision, which could determine whether the affected parties survive—or are struck off Nigeria’s political register before the 2027 polls.
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