FG denies plot to target opposition

… dismisses ‘ADP4VIP’ document as fake

The Federal Government has denied allegations that it plans to unlawfully arrest, detain or prosecute opposition figures, describing as false a document circulating online that claims the existence of a multi-agency task force aimed at targeting prominent political opponents.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the document, which refers to a supposed programme tagged “ADP4VIP” (Arrest, Detain, Prosecute for Very Important Persons), is entirely fabricated and does not exist.

The document alleges that a 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), coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser, was created to aggressively pursue opposition figures, particularly members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), without due process.

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Idris dismissed the claims as baseless disinformation, stressing that there is no such programme or task force under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“There is no programme known as ADP4VIP,” the Minister stated, adding that the Tinubu administration remains firmly focused on its core priorities of implementing economic reforms, tackling insecurity, expanding trade opportunities and restoring investor confidence.

He accused some opposition elements of attempting to portray lawful accountability as political persecution in order to shield influential individuals from facing Nigeria’s laws and anti-corruption agencies.

The Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to constitutional democracy, the rule of law and due process, noting that Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantees Nigerians the right to freedom of association and assembly.

According to him, President Tinubu, whom he described as a committed democrat, swore an oath to uphold the Constitution and its protections, including political and religious freedoms.

“Under President Tinubu’s leadership, law enforcement and judicial institutions are expected to carry out their responsibilities independently, professionally and in the national interest, without interference,” Idris said.

He urged politicians and citizens to refrain from spreading disinformation, misinformation and fake news, warning that such practices undermine public trust, especially as the 2027 general elections draw closer.

The Minister cautioned Nigerians to expect an increase in fabricated narratives and political blackmail as electioneering approaches, and called on the public to remain vigilant and reject what he described as the politics of distortion and division.

Idris stressed that while every Nigerian has the constitutional right to lawful political activity and association, security and anti-corruption agencies also retain the legitimate mandate to operate in the interest of the nation.

The Minister said the Federal Government would not be distracted by perpetual politicking, insisting that the Tinubu administration remains focused on delivering continuity, progress and tangible results for Nigerians.