The Federal Government has dismissed as false and misleading claims that it plans to unlawfully arrest, detain or prosecute opposition political figures, describing the allegations as fabricated and intended to misinform the public.
In a statement issued by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the government reacted to a document in circulation alleging the creation of a non-existent multi-agency task force under a programme purportedly tagged “ADP4VIP” (Arrest, Detain, Prosecute for Very Important Persons).
The minister said the document falsely claimed 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 being set up to target prominent opposition figures without due process.
He described the claims as deliberate disinformation, noting that the document recklessly cited “multiple credible sources” to allege a planned effort to weaken opposition political activity, particularly within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The Federal Government categorically stated that there is no programme known as “ADP4VIP” and reaffirmed that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is focused on its core mandate of implementing economic reforms, tackling insecurity, expanding trade and restoring investor confidence.
According to the statement, attempts by some opposition elements to portray lawful accountability as political persecution are designed to distract from legitimate anti-corruption efforts and to shield individuals from answering to the law.
The government emphasised that Nigeria remains a constitutional democracy, noting that Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantees the rights to freedom of association and assembly. It added that President Tinubu, who swore an oath to uphold the Constitution, remains committed to protecting these freedoms.
The statement further reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to the rule of law, due process and the independence of institutions, stressing that law enforcement and judicial agencies are mandated to operate professionally and without political interference.
The Federal Government urged politicians and citizens to desist from spreading disinformation, misinformation and fake news, warning that such practices undermine public trust, particularly as the 2027 general elections approach.
It called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and reject what it described as the politics of distortion and division, assuring that the government will remain focused on delivering continuity, progress and tangible results in the national interest.
