Atiku Abubakar Celebrates Court’s Ruling as a Triumph for Democracy
Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has hailed the Court of Appeal’s decision to restore the party’s legal status as a significant victory for constitutional democracy. This ruling enables the ADC to fully engage in the upcoming 2027 general elections.
Judicial Rulings Reinforce Rule of Law
In a statement released by his media office in Abuja, Atiku expressed gratitude for the Court of Appeal’s ruling, which overturned a previous judgment from the Federal High Court that sought to deregister the ADC and four other political parties. He emphasized that this decision reaffirms the principles of the rule of law and judicial independence.
Judges Commended for their Commitment
He commended the judges of the Court of Appeal for their bravery, loyalty to the Constitution, and steadfast dedication to justice. Atiku asserted that their ruling bolsters public trust in the judiciary as a crucial protector of constitutional democracy. He remarked that, at a time when many Nigerians are anxious about democratic governance, this ruling serves as a powerful deterrent against arbitrariness and political expediency.
ADC Positioned for Electoral Participation
Atiku stressed that all legal challenges impeding the ADC’s participation in the 2027 elections have been resolved. This follows an earlier judgment by Justice Rehman of the Federal High Court, which the appellate court upheld, affirming the legality of the ADC and its leadership under Senator David Mark. The statement confirmed that no outstanding lawsuits challenge the party’s leadership or legal standing, allowing it to prepare for the general elections.
Court’s Interpretation of Constitutional Articles
The former Vice President highlighted that the appellate court declared a June 15 ruling by Judge Peter Riff as invalid, made under incorrect procedural assumptions. The court found that the plaintiffs lacked the legal standing to initiate the suit and that their claims were speculative and unsupported by law.
Affidavit Evidence Undermines Prior Ruling
Atiku noted that the appellate court found shortcomings in how the trial court evaluated uncontested affidavit evidence from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which confirmed the ADC’s compliance with relevant regulations for continued registration. He argued that accepting INEC’s evidence should have nullified any additional legal conditions imposed unjustly by the lower court, which the appellate court rightfully criticized as a misguided judgment.
Political Disputes Should Be Resolved Through Voting
Atiku emphasized that the Court of Appeal’s ruling signifies more than just a win for the ADC; it represents a victory for all Nigerians who advocate for a strengthened democracy based on free political competition rather than litigation aimed at stifling opponents. He cautioned against the misuse of the judiciary as a political weapon, asserting that electoral disputes should be settled by the public at the ballot box, not in courtrooms. He insisted that any effort to secure electoral advantages through legal maneuvering would erode public trust in democratic institutions and undermine the sacrifices made by Nigerians to uphold democratic principles.
