FG Denies Allegations of Plot to Target Opposition Figures
The Federal Government has dismissed claims that it plans to unlawfully arrest, detain or prosecute opposition politicians, describing such allegations as false, misleading and deliberately fabricated to misinform the public.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the government reacted to a document currently circulating in the public space which alleges the creation of a secret multi-agency task force designed to target prominent opposition figures under a programme purportedly named “ADP4VIP.”
According to the government, the document is entirely fictitious and falsely suggests that a task force made up of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, allegedly coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser, was established to pursue opposition leaders without regard for due process.
The statement noted that the document irresponsibly claim an agenda aimed at weakening opposition political activities, particularly within the African Democratic Congress.
The Federal Government stressed that no such programme exists and maintained that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is focused on delivering its mandate through economic reforms, tackling insecurity, boosting trade and rebuilding investor confidence rather than engaging in political vendettas.
It further accused some opposition elements of attempting to misrepresent lawful accountability as political persecution in a bid to shield influential individuals from the reach of the law and the country’s anti-corruption agencies.
The government warned that such narratives are dangerous and capable of undermining public trust in democratic institutions.
Reaffirming its democratic credentials, the government cited the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees Nigerians the right to peaceful association and assembly, noting that President Tinubu has sworn to uphold and protect these freedoms.
The statement described the President as a committed democrat whose record reflects respect for constitutional governance.
The government reiterated its commitment to the rule of law, due process and the independence of security and judicial institutions, stressing that Nigeria remains a constitutional democracy where law enforcement agencies are expected to operate professionally and in the national interest, free from political interference.
Citizens and political actors were urged to refrain from spreading misinformation and fake news, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 general elections, a period the government warned could witness a rise in fabricated narratives and political blackmail.
Nigerians were encouraged to remain vigilant and reject divisive politics driven by falsehoods.
The statement concluded that while every Nigerian retains the right to lawful political participation, security and anti-corruption agencies equally have the constitutional mandate to perform their duties.
As the year 2025 draws to a close, the government said it remains focused on delivering progress and tangible results for Nigerians and will not be distracted by what it described as perpetual politicking.
