Atiku Hails Court Decision Striking Out ADC Leadership Suit

Atiku Hails Court Decision Striking Out ADC Leadership Suit

Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has hailed the Federal High Court for striking out a suit challenging the leadership of the party. The court, in a judgement delivered by Justice Musa Liman, ruled that the Federal High Court lacks jurisdiction to handle the matter, and that the plaintiffs failed to exhaust internal remedies provided by the party's constitution.

Reacting to the judgement, Atiku commended the court for resisting attempts to drag the judiciary into partisan political battles. In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the court could not have been clearer in its ruling, holding that the matter borders on the internal affairs of the ADC and that the plaintiffs failed to establish the locus standi required to invoke the jurisdiction of the court.

The former Vice President also described the judgment as a significant boost for the rule of law at a time when opposition parties are facing sustained political pressure. He cited an African proverb, saying 'No matter how long the night lasts, the day must surely break.'

Atiku further stated that the court'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 alleged that there have been coordinated efforts to weaken opposition politics through litigation and the manipulation of institutions.

'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 destabilise the opposition and frustrate the growing aspirations of millions of Nigerians who desire democratic change,' Atiku said.

The former Vice President also defended the legitimacy of the party's current leadership, insisting that the National Working Committee headed by former Senate President David Mark emerged through a lawful process in line 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.

Atiku urged party members to remain united and focused on building the party ahead of future political contests, while calling on democrats to continue defending democratic institutions rather than celebrating the court victory. '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.