Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has praised the Nigerian judiciary following a Federal High Court ruling in Abuja that rejected a legal challenge against the party’s current leadership.
He commended the Nigerian judiciary for demonstrating courage, independence and fidelity to the Constitution in the face of what he described as sustained attempts by desperate political actors to weaponise the courts against the opposition.
Atiku gave the commendation in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.
He was reacting to the ruling of the Federal High Court, Abuja, presided over by Justice Liman, which struck out the suit challenging the leadership of the ADC.
He described the decision as a victory not merely for the party but for constitutional democracy and the rule of law.
According to him, the court’s decision reaffirmed the settled legal principle that political parties are governed by their constitutions and that internal disputes must first be resolved through the mechanisms provided therein.
“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 read.
Atiku commended Justice Liman for refusing to allow the judiciary to be converted into an extension of partisan political warfare, describing the ruling as a reminder that “while political desperation may cast temporary shadows over our democracy, truth and justice will ultimately prevail.”
He said the judgment was particularly encouraging given what he called an orchestrated campaign by certain elements in the corridors of power to destabilise the opposition, ranging from failed attempts to deregister political parties to the sponsorship of proxy litigations and the manipulation of institutions.
“Today’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 said.
He insisted that the David Mark-led National Working Committee emerged through a lawful and transparent process in accordance with the party’s constitution, adding that no amount of forum shopping or judicial adventurism could alter that fact.
Atiku urged party members to remain calm, united and focused on the larger task of rescuing Nigeria from what he described as unprecedented economic hardship, insecurity and institutional decay inflicted by the present administration.
The former Vice President stressed that the victory was not an invitation to triumphalism but a renewed call for democrats to strengthen the nation’s institutions and protect the rule of law.
Congratulating the party leadership under Senator David Mark, Atiku reassured Nigerians that the ADC remains united, focused and determined to offer what he called the credible alternative the nation urgently needs.
END.
World Cup: Pochettino becomes USA’s most successful coach
Moronfolu Adeyemi
Mauricio Pochettino became the most successful coach in United States FIFA World Cup history after guiding the co-hosts to a 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina to reach the Round of 16.
The win at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium also ended the USA’s 24-year wait for a knockout victory at the World Cup, with the Americans winning a knockout match for the first time since 2002.
Pochettino’s side produced a disciplined display against a stubborn Bosnia and Herzegovina team before overcoming the setback of Folarin Balogun’s 64th-minute red card to seal victory through Malik Tillman’s late direct free-kick.
The Argentine manager said the manner of the victory pleased him as much as the result.
“I’m incredibly proud of this team,” Pochettino said after the match.
“Today it’s not only about the victory itself, but about how we achieved it.
“That’s a really important point. You can win, but the decisive thing is the way you win.”
Despite being reduced to 10 men, the USA remained organised defensively and frustrated Bosnia and Herzegovina, who had scored in each of their previous four World Cup matches.
Defender Antonee Robinson praised the character shown by the team after Balogun’s dismissal.
“I think it shows how resilient this team is and the commitment we put in,” Robinson said.
“It’s always easy when everything is going your way and you’re playing good football.
“But for us to find a way today to win the game with a man less, against the run of play, shows that we’re all pulling in the same direction and giving everything together.”
Captain Christian Pulisic also hailed the team’s response.
