Obasanjo accuses deputy of fraud

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President Olusegun Obasanjo has asked Nigeria's Senate to consider a report listing investigations into alleged fraud by Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.

In a letter read to lawmakers, the president listed fraud allegations filed by anti-corruption agency EFCC.

Mr Abubakar, a leading presidential contender, opposed a campaign to allow Mr Obasanjo to run for a third term in office in elections next year.

Correspondents say the move could now lead to his impeachment.

The report alleges that Mr Abubakar misused more than $100m of public funds - a charge he flatly denies.

The vice president is believed to be seeking the nomination of the governing People's Democratic Party (PDP) in elections scheduled for 21 April 2007.

However, the BBC's Alex Last in Lagos says the vice-president sees himself as the target of a political conspiracy to exact revenge, and to clear the path for a presidential contender more amenable to Mr Obasanjo.

'Impeachable evidence'

Mr Abubakar's media consultant, Malam Garba Shehu told the BBC's Focus on Africa programme that they have 127 pieces of impeachable evidence against President Obasanjo, which they say they will present to federal lawmakers in the days ahead.

Correspondents say hostility between the two top men in government has been brewing for some time.

Last week President Obasanjo told a conference that "criminals and crooks" must not be allowed to take the reins of power.

However, our correspondent says Mr Abubakar has many supporters and it is not clear if any attempt to impeach him would be successful.

Political successor

Next year's elections could mark the first successful democratic transfer of power from one civilian president to another since Nigerian independence in 1960.

President Obasanjo will have served two terms, the maximum allowed under the constitution, since being elected in 1999.

It is not clear who will be in line to succeed Mr Obasanjo, who has denied favouring any particular successor to the presidency.

Former military ruler Ibrahim Babangida - also a PDP member, and seen as close to Mr Obasanjo - has announced his intention to stand for the presidency, though not necessarily on a party ticket.