By Taiwo Scholastica
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Thursday welcomed the decision of the Federal High Court in Abuja striking out a suit that challenged the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the judgment as a victory for constitutional democracy and the rule of law.
Reacting to the ruling delivered by Justice Musa Liman, Atiku said the court had reaffirmed the long-established principle that matters relating to the internal affairs of political parties should primarily be resolved through their own constitutions and internal dispute resolution mechanisms.
In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the former vice president commended the judge for declining what he described as attempts to draw the judiciary into partisan political disputes.
According to Atiku, the court made it clear that the case concerned the internal affairs of the ADC, over which the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction.
He also noted that the plaintiffs had failed to exhaust the dispute resolution mechanisms provided in the party’s constitution and did not establish 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 judgment as a significant boost for the rule of law at a time when, according to him, opposition parties are 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 might cast temporary shadows over democracy, truth and justice would ultimately prevail.
The former vice president further alleged that there had been coordinated efforts to weaken opposition politics through litigation and the manipulation of institutions.
He claimed Nigerians had witnessed attempts to deregister political parties, sponsor proxy lawsuits, and use state institutions to frustrate the opposition.
According to him, the judgment demonstrated that the judiciary remains independent and cannot be intimidated into endorsing narrow political interests.
Atiku also defended the legitimacy of the party’s current leadership, insisting that the National Working Committee, led by former Senate President David Mark, emerged through a lawful and transparent process in accordance with the ADC constitution.
He urged party members to remain united and focused on strengthening the party ahead of future elections, stressing that the court’s decision should not be viewed merely as a reason for celebration, but as a reminder of the need to protect democratic institutions.
The leadership suit arose amid ongoing political realignments within the opposition following the adoption of the ADC as the platform for a coalition of opposition politicians ahead of the 2027 general elections.