Federal Government has firmly dismissed claims that it is plotting to unlawfully arrest, detain or prosecute members of the political opposition, describing a document currently in circulation as entirely fabricated and misleading.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, in a statement on Tuesday, reacted to what it called a fake memo alleging the creation of a multi-agency task force for a programme tagged “ADP4VIP” (Arrest, Detain, Prosecute for Very Important Persons).
According to the government, no such programme or task force exists.
The document had falsely claimed that a task force allegedly 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), under the coordination of the Office of the National Security Adviser, was set up to target prominent opposition figures without due process.
It further alleged, citing “multiple credible sources,” that the supposed initiative was aimed at the “systematic weakening and neutralisation of opposition political activity,” particularly within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Responding, the minister stated emphatically that “there is no such programme as ‘ADP4VIP.’”
He stressed that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, remains firmly focused on its core priorities, including implementing measurable economic reforms, tackling insecurity, expanding trade opportunities and restoring investor confidence.
Idris warned that attempts by some opposition elements to portray lawful accountability as political persecution amount to a dangerous distraction, designed to shield so-called VIPs from answering to Nigeria’s laws and anti-corruption institutions.
Reaffirming its commitment to democratic principles, the minister cited Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantees every Nigerian the right to freedom of association and assembly.
He noted that President Tinubu swore an oath to uphold the Constitution and its protections, including freedoms of association and religion, describing him as “a democrat with considerable and positive footprints.”
Under President Tinubu’s leadership, the ministry said, the Federal Government remains committed to the rule of law, due process and the independence of institutions, adding that Nigeria’s law enforcement and judicial bodies are expected to operate professionally, without interference and in the national interest.
Heurged politicians and citizens to refrain from spreading disinformation, misinformation and fake news, warning that credibility in the modern era is closely tied to the accuracy of information.
With the 2027 general elections approaching, the minister cautioned Nigerians to expect an increase in fabricated narratives and political blackmail by actors who deploy falsehoods as a tool for relevance, and called on the public to reject what it described as the politics of distortion and division.
He reiterated that while every Nigerian has the constitutional right to lawful political activity and association, security and anti-corruption agencies also retain the lawful mandate to operate in the interest of the nation.
“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 added, assuring that Nigerians deserve continuity, progress and tangible results, which the Tinubu administration remains committed to delivering.