Politics
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.
Follow Us on Google Discover
2027: Court reserves judgment in SDP suit challenging INEC over Adebayo’s candidacy
BREAKING: Tinubu seeks Senate approval for $20.51bn, €1.045bn external borrowing
Troops repel terrorists, recover two AK-47 rifles in Benue
Reps move to tighten rules on electric, CNG vehicle imports in Nigeria
Troops kill 8 suspected terrorists, rescue 3 kidnap victims in Katsina, Kaduna, Zamfara
Tinubu seeks National Assembly approval to settle N269.44bn outstanding debts
Atiku returns to Nigeria from overseas trip, set to lead ADC campaign across all 36 states
‘Tinubu must go, he lacks capacity, energy to govern Nigeria’ – Peter Obi
2027: Withdraw from Presidential race, back Tinubu – Kaduna APC tells Atiku
Newborn, parents cheat death as fire destroys buildings in Kwara
Kalu: Tinubu approves 500,000 solar lights for South-East communities
DSS charges Kaduna man over fake Tinubu letter to US president
‘I won’t steal Nigeria’s money, wont allow anyone steal’ — Obi
FG, Labour resume talks on minimum wage, petrol price dispute
Bandits abduct over 10 passengers, driver travelling from Kebbi to Abuja
BREAKING: NDC unveils 2027 National Campaign Council, names Babachir Lawal, Galadima to key roles (Full List)
US Pastor marries second wife, describes monogamy as unbiblical
BREAKING: NCDC identifies two additional suspected Ebola cases, tracks 53 primary contacts
FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup: Round of 16 fixtures, dates, kick-off times revealed
Outrage as viral video shows JIBWIS members demanding AK-47s, threaten to kill ‘Infidels’ in Enugu, Jos on a Sunday
‘Ebola may force postponement of 2027 elections’ – NCDC
Why data may be used even when mobile data is switched off – MTN
Lone Ebola patient to be flown out of Nigeria for further treatment
“I know what I came into office to do” — President Tinubu
Reaction trails as APC youth leader Dayo Israel gifts 2026 Toyota Prado SUVs to party officials
NCDC approves ₦100,000 weekly support for people isolated over Ebola concerns
Bandits storm Kaduna community, abduct two farmers
Agbara Nla: The Return hits N408.3m, ranks as Nollywood’s second-biggest film of 2026
INEC bows to pressure, makes preliminary Voters’ Register available online for public inspection
