By Mercy Peter
The Federal Government Tuesday denied allegations that it plans to unlawfully arrest, detain or prosecute opposition political figures, describing as false and fabricated a document currently circulating on social media and other platforms.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris,the government dismissed claims of a purported multi-agency task force allegedly created to target opposition leaders under a programme dubbed “ADP4VIP” (Arrest, Detain, Prosecute for Very Important Persons).
According to the statement, the document falsely alleges the existence of a coordinated effort 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), supposedly overseen by the Office of the National Security Adviser, to “aggressively” pursue prominent opposition figures without due process.
“The Federal Government wishes to state emphatically that there is no such programme as ‘ADP4VIP,’” the statement said, adding that the claims amount to deliberate disinformation designed to mislead the public and undermine confidence in democratic institutions.
The document, which the government described as baseless, cites unnamed “multiple credible sources” and alleges a planned “systematic weakening and neutralisation of opposition political activity,” particularly within the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The government rejected these assertions in their entirety.
Minister Idris said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, remains firmly focused on governance priorities rather than political persecution. These priorities, he noted, include implementing measurable economic reforms, tackling insecurity, expanding trade opportunities and restoring investor confidence in the Nigerian economy.
“The attempt by some opposition elements to frame lawful accountability as political targeting is a dangerous red herring,” the statement said. “It is designed to shield so-called VIPs from answering to our national laws and anti-corruption agencies.”
Reaffirming the administration’s democratic credentials, the government cited Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantees Nigerians the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of association. It stressed that President Tinubu swore an oath to uphold the Constitution and has a longstanding record as a democrat.
Under the current administration, the statement said, the Federal Government remains unwavering in its commitment to the rule of law, due process and the independence of institutions. Law enforcement and judicial bodies, it added, are constitutionally mandated to operate professionally, without political interference, and solely in the national interest.
The government also cautioned politicians and citizens against the spread of misinformation and fake news, warning that the information space is likely to become more contested as the 2027 general elections draw closer.
“With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, the public should anticipate an increase in fabricated narratives and political blackmail by actors who employ falsehood as a strategy for relevance,” the statement noted, urging Nigerians to remain vigilant and reject “the politics of distortion and division.”
The government emphasised that security and anti-corruption agencies equally retain the legal authority to carry out their duties in the nation’s interest.
“As we draw the curtain on 2025 and step into a new year, this government will not be distracted by those invested in perpetual politicking,” the statement concluded. “Nigerians deserve continuity, progress and tangible results—and that is what the Tinubu Administration remains dedicated to delivering.”
