They want to re assert their control over their former colony.

So do not assert similarities to Allah. Indeed, Allah knows and you do not know.

Have We sent down to them any authority which might assert what they associate with Him?

he orders you to commit evil and indecency and to assert about Allah what you do not know.

To assert that the universe has a purpose implies a desired outcome. But who would do the desiring?

They assert kinship between Him and the angels. But the angels know that they (the liars) will be arraigned (in Hell).

Or, let chunks of sky fall over us, as you assert (you will) or, bring God and the angels as a surety

And on the Day whereon He shall call unto them and say where are My associates whom ye were wont to assert?

And on the Day whereon He shall call unto them and say where are My associates whom ye were wont to assert?

And (remember) the Day when He will call to them, and say Where are My (so called) partners whom you used to assert?

Say 'Call to those whom you assert, other than Him. They have neither the power to remove your affliction nor to transfer it'

Say Call on those whom you assert besides Him, so they shall not control the removal of distress from you nor (its) transference.

And they assert a relationship between Him and the jinn and certainly the jinn do know that they shall surely be brought up

Say Had there been other gods with Him, as they assert, they would surely have sought a way (of opposition) against the Lord of the Throne.

Had there been gods apart from God, both (the heavens and the earth) would have been despoiled. Much too glorious is God, the Lord of the mighty throne, for things they assert!

And (remember) the Day when He (your Lord Allah) will call them (those who worshipped others along with Allah), and will say Where are My (so called) partners, whom you used to assert?

And on the Day when We shall gather them all together, We shall say to those who joined partners in worship (with Us) Where are your partners (false deities) whom you used to assert (as partners in worship with Allah)?

Say (O Muhammad SAW to these polytheists, pagans, etc.) If there had been other aliha (gods) along with Him as they assert, then they would certainly have sought out a way to the Lord of the Throne (seeking His Pleasures and to be near to Him).