The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, on Thursday applauded the Federal High Court in Abuja for striking out a suit challenging the leadership of the party, describing the decision as a victory for constitutional democracy and a rejection of attempts to use the judiciary for political ends.
Reacting to the judgment delivered by Justice Musa Liman, Atiku said the ruling reaffirmed the long-established principle that issues relating to the internal affairs of political parties are primarily governed by their constitutions and internal dispute resolution mechanisms.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the court deserved commendation for resisting what he described as efforts to drag the judiciary into partisan political battles.
“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.
“We commend Justice Liman for refusing to allow the judiciary to be converted into an extension of partisan political warfare,” he said.
He described the judgment as a significant boost for the rule of law at a time, according to him, when opposition parties are facing sustained political pressure.
Citing an African proverb, he said, “No matter how long the night lasts, the day must surely break.”
He added that while political desperation might cast temporary shadows over democracy, truth and justice would ultimately prevail.
The former vice president alleged that there had been coordinated efforts to weaken opposition politics through litigation and the manipulation of institutions.
“We are particularly encouraged because this judgment comes at a time when certain desperate elements operating from the corridors of power have sought, through every conceivable means, to destabilise the opposition and frustrate the growing aspirations of millions of Nigerians who desire democratic change.
“From failed attempts to deregister political parties, to the sponsorship of proxy litigations, to the manipulation of institutions, Nigerians have witnessed an orchestrated campaign to weaken opposition politics. 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 stated.
Atiku also defended the legitimacy of the party’s current leadership, insisting that the National Working Committee headed by former Senate President David Mark emerged through a lawful process in line with the ADC constitution.
“The David Mark-led National Working Committee emerged through a lawful and transparent process in accordance with the constitution of our great party. No amount of forum shopping or judicial adventurism can alter that fact,” he said.
He urged party members to remain united and focused on building the party ahead of future political contests, while calling on democrats to continue defending democratic institutions rather than celebrating the court victory.
(The Whistler)