The Federal Government has dismissed as false and misleading claims that it plans to unlawfully arrest, detain or prosecute opposition figures, describing a circulating document making such allegations as entirely fabricated.
The statement was signed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the government debunked reports alleging the creation of a non-existent multi-agency task force under a purported programme tagged “ADP4VIP” (Arrest, Detain, Prosecute for Very Important Persons).
According to the statement, the document falsely claims that a task force involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), allegedly coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser, was established to target prominent opposition figures without due process.
The government described the claims as deliberate disinformation, noting that the authors irresponsibly cited “multiple credible sources” to allege a plan aimed at the “systematic weakening and neutralisation of opposition political activity,” particularly within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Reacting to the allegations, the Federal Government stated emphatically that there is no such programme as “ADP4VIP,” stressing that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains firmly focused on its core mandate of economic reforms, tackling insecurity, expanding trade opportunities and restoring investor confidence.
It further warned that attempts by some opposition elements to portray lawful accountability as political persecution amount to a dangerous diversion aimed at shielding so-called political elites from answering to national laws and anti-corruption agencies.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to constitutional democracy, citing Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantees the rights to freedom of association and assembly. It noted that President Tinubu, having sworn to uphold the Constitution, remains committed to protecting these freedoms.
Under President Tinubu’s leadership, the statement added, the Federal Government continues to uphold the rule of law, due process and the independence of institutions, emphasising that law enforcement and judicial agencies are expected to operate professionally and without political interference.
The government also cautioned politicians and citizens against engaging in misinformation and fake news, especially as the 2027 general elections draw closer, warning that fabricated narratives and political blackmail are likely to increase.
Nigerians were urged to remain vigilant and reject what the government described as the politics of distortion and division, while recognising that although citizens have the constitutional right to lawful political association, security and anti-corruption agencies equally retain the mandate to operate in the national interest.
“As we conclude 2025 and look ahead to a new year, this administration will not be distracted by perpetual politicking,” the statement said, adding that Nigerians deserve continuity, progress and tangible results.
