“Courts cannot be hijacked” – Atiku hails judiciary over court ruling on ADC leadership

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has commended the Nigerian judiciary for upholding the rule of law after the Federal High Court in Abuja struck out a suit challenging the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

In a statement issued on Thursday, June 2, 2026, by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described the ruling by Justice Liman as a victory for constitutional democracy.

He also said the court’s ruling is a firm rejection of attempts to weaponise the courts for political ends.

“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 said.

Atiku commended Justice Liman for refusing to allow the judiciary to become “an extension of partisan political warfare.”

Reeling out African proverbs to underscore his message, the ADC’s 2027 presidential candidate noted that “no matter how long the night lasts, the day must surely break”, and that political desperation cannot override truth and justice.

He further pointed to what he described as a pattern of orchestrated moves against the opposition, including attempts to deregister parties and sponsor proxy litigations.

“We urge all party members to remain calm, united, and focused on the larger task of rescuing Nigeria from the unprecedented economic hardship, insecurity, and institutional decay inflicted upon our country by the present administration,” the statement stated.

Atiku described the judgment as a renewed call for democrats to strengthen institutions and protect the rule of law.

He congratulated Senator David Mark and the ADC leadership, reaffirming the party’s commitment to providing a credible alternative for Nigerians.

“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,” it added.