Atiku Applauds Ruling On ADC Leadership, Praises Court For Dismissing Abejide’s Suit
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has praised the Nigerian judiciary for its courage, independence, and fidelity to the Constitution following the dismissal of a lawsuit challenging the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The opposition leader, who is also the ADC's presidential candidate, lauded the bench for maintaining neutrality in political disputes. He emphasized that an independent judiciary remains the bedrock of Nigeria's democratic sustainability.
Reacting to Thursday’s judgment by Justice Musa Liman of the Federal High Court in Abuja, Atiku described the ruling as a resounding victory for constitutional democracy, party autonomy, and the rule of law. He noted that the dismissal of the meritless suit protects political institutions from unnecessary external disruptions. The verdict, according to him, serves as a vital shield against the weaponization of litigation to destabilize internal party structures.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku emphasized that the judgment reaffirms a long-established legal principle regarding political administration. He stated that political parties must be governed primarily by their own internal constitutions. Consequently, internal disputes must first be resolved through domestic party mechanisms before seeking judicial intervention.
He noted that the court held it lacked jurisdiction because the matter concerned the internal affairs of the ADC and that the plaintiffs neither exhausted the party’s internal dispute resolution process nor established the legal standing required to approach the court.
“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, in his words, to allow the judiciary to become “an extension of partisan political warfare.”
He described the ruling as a significant affirmation of judicial independence at a time when, according to him, “desperate political actors” are allegedly seeking to weaken the opposition through the courts.
“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.
The former vice president further alleged that opposition parties had faced repeated attempts at destabilisation through proxy litigation and institutional manipulation, but insisted that Thursday’s judgment demonstrated that the courts remained committed to justice and the Constitution.
Atiku maintained that the David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC ) emerged through a lawful and transparent process in accordance with the ADC constitution and said no amount of litigation could invalidate that process.
He urged party members to remain calm, united and focused on what he described as the broader mission of offering Nigerians a credible political alternative.
“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 said.
Congratulating the party leadership under Senator David Mark , Atiku said the ruling reinforces the ADC’s unity and readiness for the political challenges ahead.
“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,” he added.
Atiku Abubakar maintained that the Senator David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC) emerged through a lawful and transparent process in accordance with the ADC constitution . He insisted that no amount of sponsored litigation could invalidate a process that strictly followed internal party rules. By validating this transition, he noted, the court effectively protected the party from malicious external interference.
He urged all party members to remain calm, united, and focused on the broader mission of offering Nigerians a credible political alternative. While congratulating the party leadership under Senator Mark, Atiku explained that the ruling reinforces the ADC’s unity and readiness for upcoming political challenges. He added that the journey to reclaim Nigeria continues, and no amount of political intimidation or abuse of state power will derail the democratic aspirations of the people.
The former Vice President concluded by stating that this legal victory is not an invitation to triumphalism. Instead, he described it as a renewed call for all democrats to continue strengthening democratic institutions and protecting the sanctity of the rule of law. He emphasized that true democratic progress relies on political actors respecting judicial outcomes and institutional boundaries.