Atiku Abubakar, former vice president and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, has welcomed the Federal High Court judgment dismissing a suit challenging the leadership of the party, describing the decision as a victory for constitutional democracy and the rule of law.
Atiku, in a statement issued on Thursday by Phrank Shaibu, his senior special assistant on public communication, praised Justice Musa Liman for declining to entertain what he described as an attempt to use the judiciary to settle political disputes.
The former vice president said the judgment reaffirmed the long-established legal principle that issues relating to the internal administration of political parties are primarily governed by their constitutions and internal dispute resolution mechanisms.
According to him, the court rightly held that it lacked jurisdiction to determine the matter, noting that the plaintiffs neither exhausted the internal remedies provided by the ADC constitution nor established the legal standing required to invoke the court’s jurisdiction.
“We commend Justice Liman for refusing to allow the judiciary to be converted into an extension of partisan political warfare,” Atiku said.
He described the ruling as an important affirmation of the rule of law at a time he claimed opposition parties were facing increasing political pressure.
Quoting an African proverb, Atiku said, “No matter how long the night lasts, the day must surely break,” adding that while political desperation may temporarily cast a shadow over democracy, truth and justice would ultimately prevail.
The former vice president further alleged that there had been coordinated efforts to weaken opposition parties through litigation and the manipulation of democratic institutions.
He claimed that attempts had been made to deregister political parties, sponsor proxy lawsuits and deploy state institutions to frustrate the opposition’s growing popularity.
According to him, Thursday’s judgment demonstrated that the judiciary remains independent and cannot be pressured into legitimising political interests.
Atiku also defended the legitimacy of the ADC’s current leadership, insisting that the National Working Committee headed by former Senate President David Mark emerged through a transparent process in accordance with the party’s constitution.
He maintained that no amount of litigation or judicial manoeuvring could invalidate the leadership produced through the party’s lawful procedures.
Calling on party members to remain united, Atiku urged them to focus on strengthening the ADC ahead of future political contests.
He stressed that the court victory should not be viewed as an opportunity for celebration but as a reminder of the need to continue protecting democratic institutions and the rule of law.
Expressing confidence in the party’s future, Atiku said the ADC remains united and well-positioned to provide Nigerians with a credible political alternative ahead of the 2027 general election.
The suit challenging the leadership of the ADC was filed amid ongoing political realignments within the opposition following the party’s adoption as the platform for a coalition of opposition politicians preparing for the 2027 elections.
