Former Kogi West Senator Dino Melaye has cautioned the Federal Government against inviting, arresting or interrogating African Democratic Congress presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar over a corruption petition before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Melaye, a prominent supporter of Atiku and the ADC, said the opposition party would mobilise Nigerians to resist any attempt to target the former Vice-President through the petition.
He issued the warning in a video posted on his X account on Friday, saying the ADC would demonstrate the strength of the Nigerian people if Atiku was invited or arrested over what he called a frivolous petition.
“This is our note of warning, if due to this frivolous petitions you invite, arrest, or interview Atiku Abubakar, and we are not saying it with fear or favour, we will prove to you that those in government are less than one percent of the population of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We will prove to you that the people own government,” Melaye said.
His reaction came after former House of Representatives member Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma petitioned the EFCC, requesting that the agency revisit corruption allegations previously made against Atiku in connection with his tenure as Vice-President.
Agbonayinma’s petition, signed by his lawyer, Hannibal Uwaifo, SAN, reportedly referred to a previous EFCC investigation and report concerning allegations against the former Vice-President.
READ ALSO:Dino Melaye Links Tinubu’s Europe Trip to Renewed US Records Dispute
The allegations originated from 2005 and 2006, when the EFCC and an administrative panel examined claims bordering on abuse of office, money laundering and alleged diversion of funds associated with the Petroleum Technology Development Fund.
Atiku, who served as Vice-President during the period, denied the allegations and maintained that they were politically motivated.
The Lagos State High Court subsequently nullified the EFCC’s administrative indictment against Atiku in a December 20, 2006 ruling, describing the process as unconstitutional and flawed. The allegations did not result in a criminal conviction.
The latest petition comes ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with Atiku expected to contest under the ADC as opposition politicians seek to challenge President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Melaye said the opposition would oppose any attempt to use the petition as a basis for targeting Atiku.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no confirmed indication that the EFCC had invited or arrested Atiku in connection with the petition.