ABUJA — Former Senator representing Kogi West, Dino Melaye, has cautioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against reopening investigations into allegations against former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, warning that any move perceived as politically motivated could trigger widespread opposition.
Melaye made the remarks during the African Democratic Congress (ADC) All Support Groups Town Hall Meeting held in Abuja on Thursday, where party leaders and supporters gathered to discuss national political developments ahead of future electoral contests.
Speaking at the event, the former lawmaker criticised recent calls for the anti-graft agency to revisit allegations previously made against Atiku, insisting that the former vice-president had faced numerous investigations and legal battles over the years without any conviction.
According to Melaye, Atiku's political career has been subjected to intense scrutiny by successive administrations, particularly during his tenure as vice-president, yet he emerged from multiple legal and administrative proceedings without being found guilty of wrongdoing.
He argued that any attempt to revive old allegations at a politically sensitive period could be interpreted by supporters as an effort to weaken opposition forces rather than a genuine anti-corruption exercise.
Melaye further declared that the ADC and its supporters would strongly oppose what they consider selective or politically driven investigations, stressing that democratic institutions must operate independently and without partisan influence.
The controversy follows reports of a petition urging the EFCC to reopen investigations into allegations linked to Atiku dating back nearly two decades. The petition reportedly calls on the commission to reassess claims that had previously generated public debate during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Atiku has consistently denied wrongdoing and has maintained that the allegations were thoroughly examined in the past by various institutions, including anti-corruption agencies, legislative bodies, administrative panels and the courts.
The former vice-president has repeatedly argued that previous investigations failed to establish criminal liability against him, describing recurring attempts to resurrect the allegations as politically motivated.
The development has reignited discussions over the role of anti-corruption agencies in politically charged environments, with analysts emphasizing that while no individual should be above investigation, law enforcement institutions must also avoid actions that could create perceptions of bias or political interference.
As reactions continue to emerge, attention is likely to focus on whether the EFCC responds to the petition and how the issue may shape the broader political conversation ahead of future elections.
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