Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has praised the Nigerian judiciary for what he described as its courage, independence and fidelity to the Constitution following the dismissal of a suit challenging the leadership of the party.

Reacting to Thursday’s judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, presided over by Justice Liman, which struck out the case, Atiku said the decision was a victory not only for the ADC but also for constitutional democracy, party autonomy and the rule of law.

In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the judgment reaffirmed the long-established legal principle that political parties are governed by their constitutions and that internal disputes must first be resolved through the mechanisms provided within those constitutions.

He noted that the court held it lacked jurisdiction because the matter concerned the internal affairs of the ADC and that the plaintiffs neither exhausted the party’s internal dispute resolution process nor established the legal standing required to approach the court.

“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 commended Justice Liman for refusing, in his words, to allow the judiciary to become “an extension of partisan political warfare.”

He described the ruling as a significant affirmation of judicial independence at a time when, according to him, “desperate political actors” are allegedly seeking to weaken the opposition through the courts.

“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,” he said.

The former vice president further alleged that opposition parties had faced repeated attempts at destabilisation through proxy litigation and institutional manipulation, but insisted that Thursday’s judgment demonstrated that the courts remained committed to justice and the Constitution.

Atiku maintained that the David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC) emerged through a lawful and transparent process in accordance with the ADC constitution and said no amount of litigation could invalidate that process.

He urged party members to remain calm, united and focused on what he described as the broader mission of offering Nigerians a credible political alternative.

“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,” he said.

Congratulating the party leadership under Senator David Mark, Atiku said the ruling reinforces the ADC’s unity and readiness for the political challenges ahead.

“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,” he added.