Dino Melaye Threatens Showdown, Warns FG Against Touching Atiku Over Corruption Petition

Former Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye has issued a stern warning to the federal government against inviting, arresting or interrogating former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over a corruption petition he described as frivolous.

Melaye warned that any attempt to use the petition against Atiku, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, would trigger a major political mobilisation by the opposition party.

In a video posted on his X account, the former senator said the ADC would mobilise Nigerians to demonstrate that those currently holding political power represent only a fraction of the country’s population, stressing that government ultimately belongs to the people.

His warning follows a petition submitted to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) by former House of Representatives member, Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma, calling for the reopening of alleged corruption cases involving Atiku.

The petition referenced allegations dating back to 2005 and 2006, when Atiku was vice president under former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

He was investigated by the EFCC over allegations bordering on money laundering, abuse of office and the alleged diversion of about $135 million from funds linked to the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF).

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The allegations became a major flashpoint in the bitter political confrontation between Atiku and Obasanjo, which eventually contributed to Atiku’s departure from the ruling political establishment at the time.

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

Melaye’s latest warning therefore raises the political stakes, with the former senator making it clear that any attempt to reopen the matter against Atiku could provoke a strong response from the ADC and its supporters.

The development comes as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Atiku emerging as one of the leading opposition figures challenging the ruling establishment.