Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has praised the Federal High Court in Abuja for dismissing a suit challenging the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the ruling as a victory for constitutional democracy and the rule of law.
Reacting to the judgment delivered by Justice Musa Liman, Atiku said the court reaffirmed the long-standing legal principle that the internal affairs of political parties should primarily be resolved through their constitutions and internal dispute resolution mechanisms. He said the judiciary should not be used as a tool for political battles.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the former vice president commended the judge for declining jurisdiction over the matter, noting that the plaintiffs neither exhausted the remedies provided under the ADC constitution nor established the legal standing required to institute the suit.
Atiku described the ruling as a boost for democracy, alleging that opposition parties had recently faced coordinated attempts to weaken them through litigation and the misuse of public institutions. He maintained that the judgment demonstrated the judiciary’s commitment to upholding justice and resisting political interference.
He also defended the legitimacy of the National Working Committee led by former Senate President David Mark, insisting it emerged through a lawful and transparent process in line with the ADC constitution. According to him, no amount of litigation or political pressure can alter the party’s validly constituted leadership.
The former vice president urged party members to remain united and focused on strengthening the ADC ahead of future elections. While welcoming the court’s decision, he stressed that the ruling should not lead to complacency but should instead encourage democrats to continue defending democratic institutions and the rule of law.
