The Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) has dismissed claims by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, that it failed to win elections and should therefore be deregistered, insisting that the party remains legally recognised and fully qualified to participate in future elections.
The National Chairman of the ZLP, Dan Nwanyanwu, made this remark during a press briefing held in Abuja in reaction to the ongoing court case seeking the deregistration of some political parties.
The party accused the Office of the Attorney-General of spreading misleading narratives aimed at discouraging aspirants and supporters from associating with the Party ahead of future elections.
The party said the AGF, in his submission before the court, allegedly claimed that the Zenith Labour Party did not secure any electoral victory, a position it described as “false” and contrary to constitutional provisions.
According to the party, the Nigerian Constitution only requires a political party to win at least one councillorship seat to retain its registration, stressing that the Zenith Labour Party had won several councillorship and local government seats across the country.
“We have certificates of return and official records to support these victories. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had also reportedly confirmed before the court that the party recorded electoral victories.”
The party expressed disappointment that such claims could emanate from the Office of the Attorney-General, noting that public officials occupying sensitive constitutional offices must exercise due diligence and remain committed to facts before making public assertions.
While stating that it would ordinarily have allowed the matter to remain before the court, the ZLP chairman said it became necessary to address the public following widespread circulation of the AGF’s position across traditional and social media platforms.
The party reassured Nigerians that it remains a lawful and duly registered political party with no legal impediment preventing citizens from contesting elections on its platform.
It further urged prospective aspirants and supporters not to be intimidated by what it termed “misleading narratives,” maintaining that the party remains open, democratic, and committed to constitutional participation in Nigeria’s democracy.
The chairman also reaffirmed that every Nigerian has the constitutional right to freely associate with and join any political party of their choice, warning against attempts to suppress political participation through intimidation or misinformation.
On the broader democratic process, the party stressed the need to protect democracy through strong institutions, credible elections, and strict adherence to the rule of law.
It added that political competition should be driven by ideas and performance rather than efforts to weaken opposition parties through administrative or legal pressure.
The party also hinted at challenging any recent parliamentary amendments or internal rules it considers unconstitutional or capable of undermining fair political participation.
