Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has commended the judiciary for what he described as its courage, independence and commitment to the Constitution following the dismissal of a suit challenging the leadership of the party.
Gatekeepers News reports that reacting to Thursday’s judgment by the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Liman, Atiku said the ruling was a victory not only for the ADC but also for constitutional democracy, party autonomy and the rule of law.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the judgment reaffirmed the established legal principle that political parties are governed by their constitutions and that internal disputes should first be resolved through the mechanisms provided by those constitutions.
He noted that the court ruled it lacked jurisdiction because the matter concerned the internal affairs of the ADC, adding that the plaintiffs neither exhausted the party’s internal dispute resolution process nor established the legal standing required to institute the suit.
“The court could not have been clearer. It rightly held that the matter borders on the internal affairs of the ADC, that the Federal High Court lacks jurisdiction, and that the plaintiffs neither exhausted the internal remedies provided by the party’s constitution nor established the locus standi required to invoke the jurisdiction of the court,” the statement read.
Atiku also praised Justice Liman for refusing, in his words, to allow the judiciary to become “an extension of partisan political warfare.”
Describing the judgment as a significant affirmation of judicial independence, the former vice president alleged that some political actors had sought to weaken the opposition through the courts.
“Today’s decision is a resounding affirmation that the judiciary remains the last hope of the common man and cannot be intimidated into legitimising political mischief,” he said.
Atiku further claimed that opposition parties had faced repeated attempts at destabilisation through proxy litigation and institutional manipulation but maintained that Thursday’s ruling demonstrated the courts’ commitment to justice and the Constitution.
He insisted that the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Senator David Mark emerged through a lawful and transparent process in line with the ADC constitution, adding that no amount of litigation could invalidate that process.
Calling on party members to remain calm, united and focused, Atiku said the ruling should strengthen the party’s resolve to offer Nigerians a credible political alternative.
“This victory is not an invitation to triumphalism. Rather, it is a renewed call for all democrats to continue strengthening our institutions and protecting the sanctity of the rule of law,” he said.
Congratulating the party leadership under Senator David Mark, Atiku said the judgment reinforces the ADC’s unity and preparedness for future political contests.
“The journey to reclaim Nigeria continues, and no amount of political intimidation, sponsored litigation or abuse of state power will derail the democratic aspirations of the Nigerian people,” he added.
