Court Can’t Be Used to Undermine Opposition, Atiku Says After ADC Legal Victory
By Nafiu Muhammad Lema
The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has praised the Nigerian judiciary for what he described as its courage and independence following a Federal High Court ruling that struck out a suit challenging the leadership of the party.
In a statement issued on Thursday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the judgment reaffirmed the principle that political parties should resolve internal disputes through their constitutional mechanisms before approaching the courts.
The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Liman, ruled that the matter concerned the internal affairs of the ADC and that the plaintiffs lacked the legal standing to institute the case, while also failing to exhaust the party’s internal dispute resolution process.
Reacting to the decision, Atiku described the ruling as a victory for constitutional democracy, the rule of law, and the independence of the judiciary. He said the court refused to allow itself to become a tool for political battles aimed at weakening the opposition.
The former vice president alleged that certain political interests had been attempting to destabilise opposition parties through litigation and other means but expressed confidence that justice would continue to prevail.
He also reaffirmed the legitimacy of the party’s National Working Committee led by David Mark, insisting that its emergence followed the provisions of the ADC constitution.
Atiku called on ADC members to remain united and focused on what he described as the broader mission of providing Nigerians with a credible alternative to the current administration. He added that the court’s decision should strengthen public confidence in democratic institutions rather than encourage political triumphalism.
