The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has cautioned the Federal Government against arresting or taking any action against former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, over renewed allegations of financial misconduct.
The group’s position followed renewed controversy over a petition submitted to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) seeking fresh investigation into allegations involving Atiku, as well as concerns raised by former Senator Dino Melaye over any attempt to invite or arrest the former vice president.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, MURIC’s Founder and Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, said any attempt by the Federal Government to move against Atiku at this point would lack tact and send the wrong signal to Nigerians.
MURIC said Melaye had raised concerns over what it described as an attempt to resurrect corruption allegations against Atiku, who served as vice president under former President Olusegun Obasanjo and is now the ADC presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
“We warn that such an attempt at this point in time will send the wrong signal to Nigerians. With 2027 general elections at the doorsteps, we will like to caution the Federal Government against such a move. It lacks tact. It is also long in impunity, short in emotional intelligence,” the group stated.
The controversy followed a petition seeking the reopening of allegations against Atiku dating back to his tenure as vice president. The matter has generated fresh debate over whether previously examined allegations should be revisited.
MURIC urged the Federal Government to exercise caution in handling the matter, particularly given the proximity of the 2027 general elections.
The group further warned against what it described as a government “body language” capable of portraying Nigeria negatively before the international community.
“At all cost, FG must avoid exhibiting a body language that is likely to portray Nigeria as a banana republic. We lost the ethical ground. What is left for us are our democratic values and norms. Our corporate image in the global community is sinking fast,” MURIC stated.
The organisation maintained that democratic values and norms must be protected, stressing that the government should be mindful of the wider implications of actions involving prominent opposition figures.
MURIC said the handling of the matter should reflect due process and avoid actions that could further undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
