Fagbemi made the request before the Federal High Court, arguing that it is unconstitutional to allow political parties that have consistently failed to win electoral seats to remain registered.

His position was presented in an affidavit filed in response to a suit by the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL), which is also seeking the deregistration of the affected parties.

The AGF urged strict enforcement of Section 225A of the Nigerian Constitution, stating that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has no discretionary power to retain parties that do not meet the required electoral performance threshold.

He further argued that the continued existence of non-performing political parties contributes to ballot paper overcrowding, increases the cost of elections, complicates electoral administration, and weakens the intent of the Constitution.

According to him, the constitutional amendment was introduced to address challenges such as ballot clutter and inefficiencies in the voting process.

Fagbemi also noted that, as the chief law officer of the federation, he is empowered to initiate or support actions aimed at ensuring compliance with constitutional provisions.

Earlier in the proceedings, counsel to the NFFL, Yakubu Ruba (SAN), told the court that the case seeks judicial clarification on constitutional and legal provisions governing the registration and continued recognition of political parties in Nigeria.

He explained that the suit is strictly for constitutional interpretation, insisting that some political parties may have violated the law, and therefore require judicial guidance on their status.

News reports that Okpebholo made this known during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

The governor said he is confident that Edo voters will turn out massively to deliver votes for Tinubu, insisting that the state could contribute up to 2.5 million votes in the next election.

He stated, “I will get the 2.5 million votes from Edo State, it’s already on the streets, everybody is coming to vote for Asiwaju on that day.”

When asked whether Tinubu’s support in Edo would be driven by his influence, Okpebholo said the President has been providing financial support to the state and other governors to carry out development projects.

He said, “Because of the work we are doing, because of the money Tinubu is releasing to us to work for him and that is what you are seeing on the street.

“It has never happened in Edo State like this before.”

The governor also recalled that Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi defeated Tinubu in Edo State during the 2023 election, attributing it to what he described as poor performance by the then-governor, Godwin Obaseki.

He added that voter sentiment in the state has now shifted, saying residents are more inclined to support candidates based on governance performance.

Okpebholo further argued that dissatisfaction with the previous administration influenced the last election outcome, but insisted that the current political climate would produce a different result in 2027.

News reports that the elections will be conducted in Kebbi, Kano, Ondo, Rivers, Nasarawa, and Enugu States.

The exercise will cover four senatorial seats, one House of Representatives seat, and one State House of Assembly seat.

In Ondo State, the vacancy arose after Senator Jimoh Ibrahim left the chamber to serve as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

In Rivers State, the seat became vacant following the death of Senator Barinada Mpigi, while in Nasarawa State, the passing of Senator Godiya Akwashika created another vacancy. In Enugu State, the seat was left empty after the death of Senator Okey Ezea.

Kano State will also conduct a House of Representatives election, while Kebbi State will hold a poll to fill a vacant seat in its State House of Assembly.

INEC also fixed the same date for the Ekiti State governorship election, meaning multiple electoral activities will take place nationwide on that day.

The INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, announced the timetable during the swearing-in ceremony of a new National Commissioner, Rear Admiral Jamila Malafa (rtd.).

He noted that the commission is preparing for a busy electoral schedule, confirming that both the Ekiti governorship election and the bye-elections will hold simultaneously on June 20, 2026, across the affected areas.