Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has hailed 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.
Justice Musa Liman, who presided over the case, dismissed the suit filed by Leke Abejide, a member of the House of Representatives, and others challenging the David Mark-led leadership of the ADC, ruling that the matter concerned the internal affairs of the party and that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction. The judge also held that the plaintiffs failed to exhaust the internal dispute resolution mechanisms provided by the party's constitution and did not establish the legal standing required to approach the court.
Reacting to the judgment in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the ruling reaffirmed the long-established legal principle that political parties are governed by their constitutions and that internal disputes must first be resolved through the mechanisms provided within those constitutions.
"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.
Atiku commended Justice Liman for refusing, in his words, to allow the judiciary to become "an extension of partisan political warfare." He described the ruling as a significant affirmation of judicial independence at a time when, according to him, "desperate political actors" are allegedly seeking to weaken the opposition through the courts.
"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.
The former vice president further alleged that opposition parties had faced repeated attempts at destabilisation through proxy litigation and institutional manipulation, but insisted that Thursday's judgment demonstrated that the courts remained committed to justice and the Constitution.
Atiku maintained that the David Mark-led National Working Committee emerged through a lawful and transparent process in accordance with the ADC constitution and said no amount of litigation could invalidate that process. He urged party members to remain calm, united and focused on what he described as the broader mission of offering Nigerians a credible political alternative.
"This victory is not an invitation to triumphalism. Rather, it is a renewed call for all democrats to continue strengthening our institutions and protecting the sanctity of the rule of law," he said.
Congratulating the party leadership under Senator David Mark, Atiku said the ruling reinforces the ADC's unity and readiness for the political challenges ahead. "The journey to reclaim Nigeria continues, and no amount of political intimidation, sponsored litigation or abuse of state power will derail the democratic aspirations of the Nigerian people," he added.
The suit challenging the leadership of the ADC was filed amid growing political realignments within the opposition following the adoption of the party as the platform for a coalition of opposition politicians ahead of the 2027 general election. The court's ruling is expected to strengthen the position of the David Mark-led leadership as the ADC continues preparations for the 2027 polls.
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