Civil Society Group Seeks Constitutional Clarity Over Political Parties Deregistration

A coalition of civil society organisations has warned that the unchecked proliferation of political parties in Nigeria may become a major burden on electoral administration ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging the judiciary to clarify the constitutional limits of party registration and survival.
The coalition code-named Civil Society Groups for Peace, Security, Good Governance, Equity and Justice made the assertion in Abuja on Saturday
In a statement signed by James Okoronkwo, Executive Director of the coalition, the group called on the Federal High Court in Abuja to fast-track hearing of the suit seeking interpretation of constitutional provisions relating to the deregistration of political parties.
Rather than framing the issue purely as a legal dispute, the coalition argued that the case represents a broader national conversation about the balance between democratic inclusion and institutional efficiency.
According to the group, Nigeria’s democratic system risks becoming administratively congested when political parties exist largely on paper without meaningful participation, structures, or electoral relevance.
The coalition noted that while multiparty democracy remains essential, the continuous expansion of politically inactive parties has complicated ballot management, increased regulatory pressure on electoral bodies, and weakened the seriousness of party politics.
“Democratic inclusion must still respect constitutional boundaries,” the organisation stated.
The group maintained that Section 225A of the Constitution was introduced to provide constitutional safeguards against disorderly proliferation and should not be ignored for political convenience.
It argued that constitutional provisions must remain enforceable regardless of political sensitivities surrounding deregistration.
“Constitutional democracy loses meaning once constitutional provisions become selectively enforceable depending on political convenience or emotional pressure,” the coalition said.
The organisation also used the opportunity to defend the Attorney General of the Federation over criticisms trailing the matter, insisting that the office of the AGF has a constitutional responsibility to protect and interpret the law where necessary.
Without directly taking sides on whether parties should ultimately be deregistered, the coalition stressed that the court’s interpretation would likely shape future electoral reforms, party regulation, and democratic accountability in Nigeria.
The group further warned that the absence of clear constitutional direction could encourage abuse of the political party registration system and create avoidable complications for the Independent National Electoral Commission ahead of future elections.
2027: CSO Coalition Says Political Party Proliferation Threatens Electoral Efficiency
A coalition of civil society organisations has warned that the unchecked proliferation of political parties in Nigeria may become a major burden on electoral administration ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging the judiciary to clarify the constitutional limits of party registration and survival.
The Coalition of Civil Society Groups for Peace, Security, Good Governance, Equity and Justice made the assertion while calling on the Federal High Court in Abuja to fast-track hearing of the suit seeking interpretation of constitutional provisions relating to the deregistration of political parties.
Rather than framing the issue purely as a legal dispute, the coalition argued that the case represents a broader national conversation about the balance between democratic inclusion and institutional efficiency.
According to the group, Nigeria’s democratic system risks becoming administratively congested when political parties exist largely on paper without meaningful participation, structures, or electoral relevance.
The coalition noted that while multiparty democracy remains essential, the continuous expansion of politically inactive parties has complicated ballot management, increased regulatory pressure on electoral bodies, and weakened the seriousness of party politics.
“Democratic inclusion must still respect constitutional boundaries,” the organisation stated.
The group maintained that Section 225A of the Constitution was introduced to provide constitutional safeguards against disorderly proliferation and should not be ignored for political convenience.
It argued that constitutional provisions must remain enforceable regardless of political sensitivities surrounding deregistration.
“Constitutional democracy loses meaning once constitutional provisions become selectively enforceable depending on political convenience or emotional pressure,” the coalition said.
The organisation also used the opportunity to defend the Attorney General of the Federation over criticisms trailing the matter, insisting that the office of the AGF has a constitutional responsibility to protect and interpret the law where necessary.
Without directly taking sides on whether parties should ultimately be deregistered, the coalition stressed that the court’s interpretation would likely shape future electoral reforms, party regulation, and democratic accountability in Nigeria.
The group further warned that the absence of clear constitutional direction could encourage abuse of the political party registration system and create avoidable complications for the Independent National Electoral Commission ahead of future elections.