- Safiu Kehinde
The Federal Government has debunked alleged plot to establish taskforce targeted at unlawfully arrest, detain, or prosecute opposition figures.
This was made know in response to the circulation of. document alleging the establishment of a multi-agency task force for a purported programme tagged “ADP4VIP” (Arrest, Detain, Prosecute for Very Important Persons).
As contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, the document claimed that the 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, aims to aggressively target prominent opposition figures without due process.
In reaction, Idris labelled the allegation as a deliberate disinformation, stressing that that there is no such plan.
The Minister alleged that the document was orchestrated by some opposition elements to frame lawful accountability as political targeting.
This, he maintained, is a dangerous red herring designed to shield so-called VIPs from answering to national laws and anti-corruption agencies
“The authors of this deliberate disinformation imprudently cite “multiple credible sources” to allege a planned “systematic weakening and neutralisation of opposition political activity,” particularly within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
“The Federal Government wishes to state emphatically:
“There is no such programme as “ADP4VIP.”
“The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is firmly and successfully focused on its core agenda: implementing measurable economic reforms, defeating insecurity, expanding trade opportunities, and restoring investor confidence.
“The attempt by some opposition elements to frame lawful accountability as political targeting is a dangerous red herring designed to shield so-called VIPs from answering to our national laws and anti-corruption agencies.” Idris wrote.
The Minister reiterated the FG’s commitment to the foundational principle of Nigerians constitutional right to freely associate and assemble.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a democrat whose administration remains committed to the rule of law, due process, and the independence of institutions.
“The Government underscores its foundational principles. Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantees every Nigerian the right to freely associate and assemble.
“President Tinubu swore an oath to uphold this Constitution and its protections, including the freedoms of association and religion.
“He is a democrat with considerable and positive footprints.
“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.
“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.” He said.
The Minister urged opposition politicians and citizens to desist from engaging in disinformation, misinformation, and fake news, especially in an era where credibility is intrinsically linked to informational fidelity.
He however charged members of the public to prepare form fabricated narratives by the 2027 General Election.
“With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, the public should anticipate an increase in fabricated narratives and political blackmail by actors who employ falsehood as a strategy for relevance.
“We urge all Nigerians to remain vigilant and to reject the politics of distortion and division. Every Nigerian retains the constitutional right to lawful association and political activity.
“Concurrently, our security and anti-corruption institutions 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.
“Nigerians deserve continuity, progress, and tangible results—and that is what the Tinubu Administration remains dedicated to delivering.” He said .