‘Courts Cannot Be Hijacked’, Atiku Hails Judiciary Over Verdict On ADC Leadership

Former vice president and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has declared that “courts cannot be hijacked,” as he commended the Nigerian judiciary for what he described as its courage, independence and fidelity to the Constitution following a Federal High Court ruling that struck out a suit challenging the leadership of the party under Senator David Mark.

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The position was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by Phrank Shaibu, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication to Atiku, who described the judgement as a victory for constitutional democracy and the rule of law.

Reacting to the judgement delivered by the Federal High Court in Abuja and presided over by Justice Mohammed Liman, Atiku said the ruling was “a victory not merely for the party but for constitutional democracy and the rule of law.”

According to the former Vice President, 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.

“We commend Justice Liman for refusing to allow the judiciary to be converted into an extension of partisan political warfare.”

He added that the judgement demonstrated that justice would always prevail despite political pressure.

“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.”

Using another proverb, Atiku argued that repeated litigation could not change what he described as the legitimate leadership of the party.

“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.”

He maintained that the David Mark-led National Working Committee emerged through a lawful and transparent process in line with the party’s constitution.

“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.

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

Quoting renowned Nigerian author Chinua Achebe, Atiku added, “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.”

He congratulated the party leadership under former Senate President Senator David Mark and reaffirmed the ADC’s commitment to providing a credible alternative for Nigerians.

“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,” Atiku stated.