Deregistration suit: Group Seeks Constitutional Clarity Ahead of 2027

A civil society coalition has called on the Federal High Court in Abuja to expedite resolution of the ongoing legal dispute concerning the continued registration of certain political parties in Nigeria, warning that the matter raises fundamental constitutional questions that must be resolved before the 2027 general elections. In a statement, the Executive Director of the Coalition of Civil Society Groups for Peace, Security, Good Governance, Equity and Justice, James Okoronkwo, said the case represents one of the most significant constitutional tests currently confronting Nigeria’s democratic system.

The coalition said the ongoing litigation raises serious issues concerning constitutional supremacy, electoral accountability and the responsibilities of public institutions under the 1999 Constitution. The organisation also commended the Attorney General of the Federation for what it described as his principled constitutional position in the matter. According to the coalition, the AGF has demonstrated fidelity to constitutional responsibility rather than political convenience. “The Attorney General of the Federation must be appreciated for recognising that constitutional obligations cannot be subordinated to political sentiments or partisan pressures. The Constitution remains supreme,” James Okoronkwo said.

The coalition however criticised attempts by some political actors to politicise the ongoing litigation through what it described as baseless allegations against the Attorney General. The organisation specifically faulted comments reportedly attributed to Zenith Labour Party National Chairman Dan Nwanyanwu suggesting that the AGF “cooked up” the suit. “It is reckless to make damaging allegations without evidence merely because one disagrees with a constitutional position taken by a public officer,” Okoronkwo added.

James Okoronkwo insisted that Section 225A was deliberately inserted into the Constitution to ensure electoral seriousness and discourage the endless proliferation of inactive political parties lacking genuine electoral relevance. The coalition observed that maintaining numerous politically inactive parties on the electoral register continues to increase election management costs and complicate democratic administration unnecessarily. While acknowledging the importance of democratic plurality, the organisation maintained that constitutional provisions must still be enforced fairly and consistently.

“The central issue before the court is simple. Should constitutional compliance be subjected to emotional sentiment or enforced according to law? That is the constitutional question now requiring judicial clarity,” Okoronkwo said. The organisation therefore urged the judiciary to determine the matter dispassionately, courageously and strictly in accordance with constitutional provisions. The coalition said Section 225A cannot be ignored for political convenience, adding that the matter demands urgent judicial clarity ahead of the 2027 elections.