Atiku commends the courage of the judiciary in supporting the leadership of ADC David Mark

African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, has praised the Nigerian judiciary for once again demonstrating courage, independence and loyalty to the Constitution in the face of continued attempts by desperate political actors to use the courts as weapons against the opposition.

Reacting to the ruling of the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Liman, which dismissed the case challenging the leadership of the ADC, Atiku described the decision as a victory not only for the party but for constitutional democracy and the rule of law.

In a statement issued on Thursday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku noted that the court’s decision reaffirmed the well-established 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 have not exhausted the internal remedies provided by the party’s constitution nor established the locus standi necessary to invoke the court’s jurisdiction.

“We applaud Judge Liman for refusing to allow the justice system to devolve into an extension of partisan political warfare.

“There is an African proverb that says that ‘no matter how long the night lasts, the day will surely break.’” Today’s ruling reminds us once again that, while political desperation may cast temporary shadows over our democracy, truth and justice will ultimately prevail.

“We are particularly encouraged because this ruling comes at a time when some desperate elements operating in the corridors of power have sought, by every means imaginable, to destabilize the opposition and frustrate the growing aspirations of millions of Nigerians yearning for democratic change.

“From failed attempts to deregister political parties, to sponsoring proxy litigation, to manipulating institutions, Nigerians have witnessed an orchestrated campaign to undermine 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 legitimizing political evil.

“As the Yoruba wisely say, ‘The bird that sings at dawn does not make the sun rise.’ Those who imagined that endless controversies could produce legitimacy or extinguish the resolve of the ADC were reminded once again that justice cannot be procured through political intimidation.

“The National Working Committee led by David Mark emerged through a legal and transparent process in accordance with the constitution of our great party. No amount of forum shopping or judicial adventurism can alter this fact.

“We urge all members of the party to remain calm, united and focused on the larger task of saving Nigeria from the unprecedented economic hardship, insecurity and institutional decay inflicted on our country by the current administration.

“This victory is not a call to triumphalism, but rather a renewed call to all Democrats to continue to strengthen our institutions and protect the sanctity of the rule of law.

“As Chinua Achebe rightly observed, ‘One of the truest tests of integrity is his forthright refusal to compromise.’ Today’s decision reflects this enduring principle.

“We congratulate the leadership of our great party under the leadership of the distinguished Senator David Mark and reassure Nigerians that the ADC remains united, focused and determined to offer the credible alternative 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.”