ADC Court Victory: Atiku hails judiciary, says decision strengthens democracy

Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Atiku Abubakar, has commended the judiciary for what he described as its courage and independence following the dismissal of a suit challenging the leadership of the party.

Mr Atiku said the judgment delivered by the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Liman, reaffirmed the rule of law and underscored the principle that political parties should resolve their internal disputes through mechanisms provided in their constitutions.

The former vice president made the remarks in a statement issued on Thursday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.

According to Mr Atiku, the ruling is not only a victory for the ADC but also for constitutional democracy and Nigeria’s judicial system.

He said the court was right in holding that the matter concerned the internal affairs of the ADC, over which the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction.

The former vice president also noted that the court found that the plaintiffs neither exhausted the internal dispute resolution mechanisms provided by the party’s constitution nor established the legal standing required to invoke the court’s jurisdiction.

Atiku commended Justice Liman for what he described as refusing to allow the judiciary to become an instrument of partisan political contest.

He said the judgment came at a time when, according to him, some political actors were making efforts to destabilise the opposition through litigation and other means.

According to him, Nigerians have witnessed attempts to weaken opposition politics through what he described as proxy lawsuits, alleged manipulation of institutions and other actions aimed at frustrating democratic competition.

“The judiciary has once again demonstrated that it remains the last hope of the common man and cannot be intimidated into legitimising political mischief,” he said.

Atiku maintained that the National Working Committee of the ADC, led by , emerged through a lawful and transparent process in accordance with the party’s constitution.

He said no amount of litigation or political pressure could alter what he described as the legitimate leadership of the party.

The ADC presidential candidate urged members of the party to remain calm, united and focused on providing what he called a credible alternative for Nigerians.

He added that the court’s decision should not be seen as an opportunity for celebration but as a reminder of the need to strengthen democratic institutions and uphold the rule of law.

Atiku also reaffirmed the party’s commitment to pursuing its political objectives through lawful and democratic means, expressing confidence that the ADC remained united and prepared for future political contests.

He said the party would continue to pursue its vision of addressing the country’s economic, security and governance challenges through democratic processes.