The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has welcomed the judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja striking out a suit challenging the leadership of the party, describing the decision as a significant victory for constitutional democracy and the rule of law.
Atiku said the ruling reinforces the long-established legal principle that the internal affairs of political parties should primarily be resolved through their constitutions and established internal dispute resolution mechanisms rather than through unnecessary judicial intervention.
The former vice president made his position known on Thursday while reacting to the judgment delivered by Musa Liman, who struck out the suit challenging the leadership of the ADC.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku commended the court for what he described as its firm adherence to constitutional principles despite attempts to involve the judiciary in partisan political contests.
According to the statement, the judgment demonstrates judicial independence and respect for established legal precedents governing the operations of political parties in Nigeria.
“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 argued that the decision sends a strong message that political disagreements within parties should first be addressed through mechanisms provided in their constitutions before parties seek judicial intervention.
He maintained that the judgment upholds the sanctity of internal democracy within political organisations and discourages attempts to use the courts as instruments for advancing political interests.
The former presidential candidate further stated that the judiciary has once again demonstrated its commitment to protecting democratic institutions by declining to entertain matters that fall outside its constitutional jurisdiction.
He noted that political parties are voluntary associations governed by their constitutions, adding that members are expected to exhaust all internal channels for dispute resolution before approaching the courts.
According to him, the ruling will strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process by reaffirming the legal boundaries governing political party administration.
Atiku also praised the judiciary for remaining impartial and for resisting pressure to become involved in political contests that, in his view, ought to be resolved internally.
He said the judgment reflects the court’s dedication to upholding constitutional principles and ensuring that legal processes are not manipulated for partisan purposes.
The former vice president urged members of the African Democratic Congress to remain united and committed to the party’s constitutional processes, stressing that respect for internal democracy remains essential to the growth and stability of any political organisation.
He further called on political actors across the country to embrace dialogue, due process and the rule of law in resolving disagreements, rather than resorting to litigation that may undermine party cohesion.
According to the statement, adherence to party constitutions and established procedures would strengthen democratic institutions and contribute to greater political stability in the country.
Atiku reiterated his confidence in the leadership and structures of the ADC, expressing optimism that the party would continue to pursue its political objectives within the framework of the law and democratic principles.
The judgment is expected to have implications for the ongoing leadership discussions within the party, while reinforcing the longstanding judicial position that courts generally refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of political parties except in circumstances specifically provided for by law.
Political observers say the decision further underscores the importance of internal dispute resolution mechanisms in Nigeria’s democratic system and highlights the judiciary’s continued emphasis on constitutional limits in matters involving political party administration.
