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From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has commended the judiciary over the ruling of the Federal High Court on the leadership tussle in the African Democratic Congress ( ADC).
A Federal High Court,Abuja, had in a ruling on Thursday, struck out a suit challenging the emergence of the Senator David Mark led National Working Committee ( NWC) as the leadership of the ADC.
Atiku, who is also the ADC 2027 presidential candidate, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, said the
for once again demonstrating courage, independence, and fidelity to the Constitution in the face of alleged attempts by desperate political actors to weaponise the courts against the opposition.
The former Vice President, while describing the decision as a victory not merely for the party but for constitutional democracy and the rule of law, noted that court’s decision has 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.”
According to him, “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. There is an African proverb which says that ‘no matter how long the night lasts, the day must surely break.’ Today’s ruling is another reminder that while political desperation may cast temporary shadows over our democracy, truth and justice will ultimately prevail.
“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.
“As the Yoruba wisely say, ‘The fowl that crows at dawn does not make the sun rise.’ Those who imagined that endless litigations could manufacture legitimacy or extinguish the resolve of the ADC have once again been reminded that justice cannot be procured through political intimidation.
“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.”
Atiku urged ADC members to remain
focused on the larger task of rescuing Nigeria from the unprecedented economic hardship, insecurity, and institutional decay inflicted upon the country by the President Bola Tinubu administration.
“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.
“As Chinua Achebe aptly observed, ‘One of the truest tests of integrity is its blunt refusal to be compromised.’ Today’s decision reflects that enduring principle.
“We congratulate the leadership of our great party under Distinguished Senator David Mark and reassure Nigerians that the ADC remains united, focused, and determined to offer the credible alternative that our nation urgently needs.
“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 stated.
