The African Democratic Congress’ presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, praised the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday for dismissing a lawsuit challenging the party’s leadership, describing the decision as a victory for constitutional democracy and a rejection of attempts to use the judiciary for political purposes.
Reacting to Justice Musa Liman’s decision, Atiku stated that the court reaffirmed the long-standing notion that matters concerning political parties’ internal affairs are primarily handled by their constitutions and internal conflict resolution systems.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku praised the court for opposing what he described as efforts to draw the judiciary into political fights.
“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.
“We commend Justice Liman for refusing to allow the judiciary to be converted into an extension of partisan political warfare,” he said.
Atiku described the judgment as a significant boost for the rule of law at a time, according to him, when opposition parties are facing sustained political pressure.
Quoting an African proverb, he said, “No matter how long the night lasts, the day must surely break.”
He went on to say that while political desperation may cast brief shadows over democracy, truth and justice would eventually triumph.
The former vice president said that there were coordinated efforts to undermine opposition politics through litigation and institutional manipulation.
“We are particularly encouraged because this judgment comes at a time when certain desperate elements operating from the corridors of power have sought, through every conceivable means, to destabilize the opposition and frustrate the growing aspirations of millions of Nigerians who desire democratic change.
“From failed attempts to deregister political parties, to the sponsorship of proxy litigations, to the manipulation of institutions, Nigerians have witnessed an orchestrated campaign to weaken opposition politics.
“Today’s decision is a resounding affirmation that the judiciary remains the last hope of the common man and cannot be intimidated into legitimizing political mischief,” he stated.
Atiku also backed the party’s present leadership, claiming that the National Working Committee, led by former Senate President David Mark, formed through a legal procedure in accordance with the ADC constitution.
“The David Mark-led National Working Committee emerged through a lawful and transparent process in accordance with the constitution of our great party. No amount of forum shopping or judicial adventurism can alter that fact,” he said.
He urged party members to be unified and concentrate on strengthening the party ahead of future political contests, while Democrats should continue to protect democratic institutions rather than celebrate the court decision.
“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 added.
Atiku finished by expressing faith in the ADC’s ability to remain unified and provide a viable option for Nigerians.
The lawsuit challenging the ADC’s leadership was brought amid rising political realignments among the opposition as a result of the party’s acceptance as the platform for a coalition of opposition lawmakers ahead of the 2027 general election.
