Dino Melaye warns EFCC against inviting Atiku over fresh corruption petition

Former Nigerian lawmaker, Senator Dino Melaye, has warned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against inviting, arresting or interrogating former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, over fresh petitions alleging corruption.

Melaye issued the warning following a call by former member of the House of Representatives, Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma, for the anti-graft agency to reopen corruption allegations previously linked to Atiku.

Agbonayinma had reportedly petitioned the EFCC, urging the commission to revisit the allegations and conduct further investigations into the former Vice President.

Reacting to the development, Melaye cautioned the EFCC against taking action against Atiku based on what he described as “frivolous petitions.”

The former senator conveyed his position in a video posted on his X account, warning that any attempt by the anti-corruption agency to summon or arrest Atiku would trigger a strong response from his supporters.

“This is our note of warning,” Melaye said.

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He added that if the EFCC invited, arrested or interrogated Atiku on the basis of the petitions, those opposing such action would demonstrate the power of the Nigerian people.

“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,” he said.

Melaye further declared that “the people own government,” in an apparent warning against what he sees as the possible use of state institutions for political purposes.

The development comes as Atiku, who is seeking the presidency under the ADC platform, remains one of the leading opposition figures positioning himself ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The renewed controversy over corruption allegations against the former Vice President is therefore likely to attract political attention, particularly amid growing tensions between opposition politicians and the Federal Government.

The EFCC has yet to publicly respond to Melaye’s warning or indicate whether it will act on the petition seeking a fresh review of the allegations against Atiku.

The controversy also highlights the continuing debate over the independence of Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies and the need for investigations involving prominent political figures to be conducted transparently and in accordance with established legal procedures.