Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has said that with the Abuja Federal High Court affirming former Senate President David Mark’s leadership of the party, the journey to unseat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election has begun.

An Abuja Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Liman, struck out the suit challenging the leadership of the ADC under David Mark.

Reacting in a statement by his spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku stressed that the judgement is a victory not merely for the party but for constitutional democracy and the rule of law.

He noted that the court’s decision reaffirmed the settled legal principle that political parties are governed by their constitutions and that internal disputes must first be resolved through the mechanisms provided therein.

“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.

“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.

“There is an African proverb which says that ‘no matter how long the night lasts, the day must surely break.’ Today’s ruling is another reminder that while political desperation may cast temporary shadows over our democracy, truth and justice will ultimately prevail.

“We are particularly encouraged because this judgement 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.

“From failed attempts to deregister political parties, to the sponsorship of proxy litigations, to the manipulation of institutions, Nigerians have witnessed an orchestrated campaign to weaken opposition politics. 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.

“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,” he said.