We’ll prove Nigerians own government if Atiku is arrested, Dino Melaye warns FG

Former Kogi West Senator Dino Melaye has warned the Federal Government against inviting, arresting or interrogating the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, over corruption allegations.

Melaye said the ADC would mobilise Nigerians to demonstrate that political power ultimately belongs to the people if Atiku is invited or arrested in connection with what he described as a “frivolous” petition.

The former senator issued the warning in a video shared on his X account.

“This is our note of warning. If due to these 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 per cent of the population of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“We will prove to you that the people own government,” Melaye said.

His comments followed a petition submitted to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) by former House of Representatives member Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma, seeking the reopening of corruption cases involving Atiku.

Agbonayinma, a former member of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), alleged that the EFCC and an administrative panel investigated Atiku between 2005 and 2006 when he was Vice President.

The petition, signed on Agbonayinma’s behalf by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Hannibal Egbe Uwaifo, alleged financial impropriety involving Atiku, including money laundering, abuse of office and the alleged diversion of about $135 million from the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF).

The investigation contributed to a major political dispute between Atiku and then-President Olusegun Obasanjo.

However, the allegations have a long legal history.

On December 20, 2006, a Lagos State High Court reportedly set aside the EFCC administrative indictment against Atiku, holding that the process was unconstitutional and flawed.

Atiku has previously dismissed the renewed allegations as politically motivated and maintained that no court convicted him of the alleged offences.

Melaye’s warning comes amid renewed political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Atiku emerging as the ADC’s presidential candidate as opposition parties and political groups intensify efforts to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The EFCC has yet to publicly announce any fresh criminal charge or prosecution against Atiku arising from the latest petition.

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