“Victory For Democracy” – Atiku Reacts As Court Clears David Mark-Led ADC

Atiku Abubakar

The Federal High Court, Abuja, has affirmed David Mark’s leadership of the opposition African Democratic Congress. The party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, recently reacted to the ruling, and Nigerians have been reacting.

Describing the judgement as a victory for constitutional democracy, Atiku stated that the ruling is an obvious rejection of attempts to use the judiciary for political ends.

Abubakar added that the court deserves commendation for upholding legal principles ahead of the elections.

His words, “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.

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.

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.”