By David Zaki, Abuja 

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has welcomed the dismissal of a suit challenging the party's leadership by the Federal High Court in Abuja. He described the decision as a victory for constitutional democracy and defended the legitimacy of the party's current leadership.

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has praised the Federal High Court in Abuja for striking out a suit challenging the leadership of the party.

Reacting to the judgment delivered by Justice Musa Liman, Atiku said the court reaffirmed the legal principle that disputes relating to the internal affairs of political parties are primarily governed by party constitutions and internal dispute resolution mechanisms.

In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the judgment demonstrated judicial independence by refusing to allow the courts to be used for partisan political battles.

According to him, the court held that the matter concerned the internal affairs of the ADC, that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction, and that the plaintiffs neither exhausted the dispute resolution procedures provided in the party's constitution nor established the legal standing required to institute the action.

Atiku described the judgment as an important affirmation of the rule of law amid what he alleged were sustained efforts to weaken opposition politics through litigation and institutional manipulation.

He further defended the legitimacy of the National Working Committee led by former Senate President David Mark, insisting that it emerged through a lawful and transparent process in accordance with the ADC constitution.

The former vice president urged party members to remain united and continue strengthening democratic institutions rather than celebrating the court victory. He also expressed confidence that the ADC would remain a viable platform for Nigerians seeking political alternatives ahead of the 2027 general election.

The leadership dispute emerged against the backdrop of ongoing political realignments within Nigeria's opposition, following the adoption of the ADC as the platform for a coalition of opposition politicians preparing for the 2027 elections.