Courts can’t be hijacked, Atiku lauds Judiciary’s courage over ADC leadership

n n

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar

n

By Omeiza Ajayi

n

ABUJA: The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress ADC, Atiku Abubakar, has commended the Nigerian judiciary for demonstrating courage, independence and fidelity to the Constitution in the face of what he described as sustained attempts by desperate political actors to weaponise the courts against the opposition.

n

Reacting to the ruling of the Federal High Court, Abuja, presided over by Justice Liman, which struck out the suit challenging the leadership of the ADC, Atiku who spoke through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, described the decision as a victory not merely for the party but for constitutional democracy and the rule of law.

n

According to him, the court’s decision reaffirmed the settled legal principle that political parties are governed by their constitutions and that internal disputes must first be resolved through the mechanisms provided therein. “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.

n

Atiku commended Justice Liman for refusing to allow the judiciary to be converted into an extension of partisan political warfare, describing the ruling as a reminder that “while political desperation may cast temporary shadows over our democracy, truth and justice will ultimately prevail.”

n

He said the judgment was particularly encouraging given what he called an orchestrated campaign by certain elements in the corridors of power to destabilise the opposition, ranging from failed attempts to deregister political parties to the sponsorship of proxy litigations and the manipulation of institutions.

n

“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.

n

He insisted that the David Mark-led National Working Committee emerged through a lawful and transparent process in accordance with the party’s constitution, adding that no amount of forum shopping or judicial adventurism could alter that fact.

n

Atiku urged party members to remain calm, united and focused on the larger task of rescuing Nigeria from what he described as unprecedented economic hardship, insecurity and institutional decay inflicted by the present administration, stressing that the victory was not an invitation to triumphalism but a renewed call for democrats to strengthen the nation’s institutions and protect the rule of law.

n

Congratulating the party leadership under Senator David Mark, Atiku reassured Nigerians that the ADC remains united, focused and determined to offer what he called the credible alternative the nation urgently needs.

n n