Arrest Atiku Now — Dino Melaye Dares EFCC, Throws Down Fresh Challenge

African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain Dino Melaye has warned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against inviting, arresting or interrogating the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, over corruption-related petitions.

Melaye issued the warning amid calls by former All Progressives Congress (APC) National Vice Chairman (South-South), Ntufam Hilliard Eta, for the EFCC and other relevant agencies to investigate and prosecute Atiku over alleged corruption.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Melaye described any potential petition against Atiku as frivolous and warned that the ADC would resist any attempt to use law enforcement agencies against its presidential candidate.

He said the party would demonstrate the power of the Nigerian people if Atiku were invited or arrested over what he considered politically motivated allegations.

“This is our note of warning. If due to these frivolous petitions you invite, arrest or interview Atiku Abubakar, 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.

The warning comes shortly after Atiku, through his media aide, Paul Ibe, criticised calls for an EFCC investigation into his activities, describing the move as a political witch-hunt.

Atiku argued that the renewed calls for an investigation reflected a pattern in which government institutions could be deployed against political opponents when an administration feels threatened.

He also recalled that the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo had previously investigated him but, according to his account, did not find sufficient evidence to prosecute him.

“When an incumbent government begins to feel politically threatened, the institutions of state suddenly become intensely interested in its opponents,” Atiku said.

The former vice president further questioned the renewed focus on him by the EFCC, insisting that the development should be viewed within the context of the emerging political contest ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Melaye’s comments have added another layer to the growing political dispute over calls for an investigation into Atiku, with the ADC making it clear that it would strongly oppose what it considers an attempt to intimidate or politically undermine its presidential candidate.

Atiku was ratified as the ADC’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election in May 2026, as the opposition coalition continues to position itself against President Bola Tinubu and the ruling APC.