ABUJA — Chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye, has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against any attempt to invite, interrogate, or arrest the party’s presidential candidate, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
In a video statement released on his official X account on Friday, September 11, 2026, Melaye threatened nationwide mass mobilization should the anti-graft agency act upon recent petitions calling for the reopening of corruption investigations against the former Vice President.
Melaye asserted that those holding state power represent less than one percent of the national population, declaring that the opposition platform is prepared to demonstrate that sovereign power ultimately resides with the Nigerian public.
Resurfaced Petitions & Political Fallout
-
Petitions Against Atiku: The warning follows formal demands submitted by political opponents—including former House of Representatives member Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma and former APC National Vice Chairman (South-South) Ntufam Hilliard Eta—urging law enforcement agencies to re-examine legacy allegations involving Atiku dating back to 2005.
-
Atiku Campaign Rejection: Atiku’s media team, led by Paul Ibe, dismissed the renewed petitions as an orchestrated political witch-hunt designed to destabilize the opposition. His media office emphasized that past administrative inquiries under the Obasanjo presidency yielded no judicial convictions and were previously set aside by court rulings.
-
Escalating Pre-Election Friction: Melaye’s confrontational stance highlights the intensifying friction between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition figures as political alignments solidify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
