The government described such claims as “fabricated” and “baseless.”
The Federal Government has dismissed what it termed as 'false and misleading allegations' that it plans to target opposition figures through unlawful arrests, detention, or prosecution.
The government described such claims as “fabricated” and “baseless.”
In a press release issued on Tuesday and signed by Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, the government said the claims were based on a non-existent programme allegedly tagged “ADP4VIP” (Arrest, Detain, Prosecute for Very Important Persons), which it described as a deliberate act of disinformation.
According to the statement, the forged document falsely alleged the creation of a multi-agency task force comprising the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), purportedly coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser, to “aggressively target prominent opposition figures without due process.”
The document also claimed, citing what it described as “multiple credible sources,” that the alleged task force was part of a planned “systematic weakening and neutralisation of opposition political activity,” particularly within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Responding to the claims, the Federal Government stated emphatically that “there is no such programme as ‘ADP4VIP.’”
It claimed that the administration of President Bola Tinubu “is firmly and successfully focused on its core agenda: implementing measurable economic reforms, defeating insecurity, expanding trade opportunities, and restoring investor confidence.”
The government further described the allegations as an attempt by “some opposition elements to frame lawful accountability as political targeting,” warning that such narratives are “a dangerous red herring designed to shield so-called VIPs from answering to our national laws and anti-corruption agencies.”
Reaffirming its commitment to democratic principles, the statement referenced Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantees “every Nigerian the right to freely associate and assemble.”
It noted that President Tinubu “swore an oath to uphold this Constitution and its protections, including the freedoms of association and religion,” describing him as “a democrat with considerable and positive footprints.”
The release stressed that under President Tinubu’s leadership, the Federal Government “remains unwavering in its commitment to the rule of law, due process, and the independence of institutions,” adding that Nigeria is “a constitutional democracy where law enforcement and judicial agencies are obligated to perform their duties professionally, without interference, and in the nation’s best interest.”
The government also cautioned politicians and citizens against the spread of “disinformation, misinformation, and fake news,” particularly as the 2027 general elections approach.
It warned that the period ahead may see “an increase in fabricated narratives and political blackmail by actors who employ falsehood as a strategy for relevance.”
While reiterating that “every Nigerian retains the constitutional right to lawful association and political activity,” the government said security and anti-corruption institutions equally “retain the lawful mandate to operate 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 said, adding that Nigerians “deserve continuity, progress, and tangible results—and that is what the Tinubu Administration remains dedicated to delivering.”
The Tinubu administration has been accused of cracking down on opposition parties in Nigeria and fostering internal discord. Critics have also alleged that the government is steering the country toward a one-party state.