… It’s a wake-up call to political parties to strengthen internal democracy – Arewa Think Tank

From Noah Ebije, Kaduna

The Convener of Arewa Think Tank, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, has thrown his weight behind the Federal High Court judgement nullifying the Senator David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), declaring that political ambitions must not be placed above constitutional provisions and the rule of law.

Yakubu, however, said the unfolding crisis within the ADC should serve as a wake-up call to political parties on the need to strengthen internal democracy, promote transparency and ensure strict compliance with their constitutions.

Yakubu’s reaction followed Thursday’s ruling by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which declared the Mark-led caretaker leadership of the ADC unlawful and nullified decisions taken under its authority, including the emergence of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections. The Arewa Think Tank Convener maintained that political parties, as critical institutions in a democratic system, must conduct their affairs in accordance with their constitutions and the provisions of applicable electoral laws.  He stressed that no individual, irrespective of political status, influence or ambition, should assume leadership of a political party without adhering to established procedures. According to Yakubu, the judiciary remains a fundamental pillar of Nigeria’s democracy, particularly in resolving disputes involving political parties, leadership structures and the interpretation of constitutional provisions.

He urged political stakeholders to respect judicial pronouncements and avoid actions or statements capable of undermining public confidence in the judicial system.

Yakubu further explained that democracy could only thrive where political actors demonstrate respect for institutions and accept that the rule of law must guide their activities, regardless of individual interests or political calculations. He, however, acknowledged that parties dissatisfied with the judgement have the constitutional right to seek redress at the appellate courts, stressing that pursuing an appeal is a legitimate legal option. He cautioned, nevertheless, that such a decision should not be used as a basis for discrediting the judiciary or disregarding the authority of the court.