The Federal Government has refuted claims that it is secretly coordinating a multi-agency plot to unlawfully arrest, detain, or prosecute opposition politicians ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The denial follows the circulation of a viral document on social media alleging the existence of a covert task force codenamed “ADP4VIP” (Arrest, Detain, Prosecute for Very Important Persons).
The document claimed the operation was being coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser in collaboration with anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to suppress opposition activities.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, dismissed the claims as false and deliberately misleading.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria categorically states that it harbours no plans to unlawfully arrest, detain, or prosecute opposition figures. This clarification is in response to a fabricated document in circulation alleging the establishment of a non-existent multi-agency task force for a purported programme tagged ‘ADP4VIP’,” the statement said.
According to the minister, “The baseless document falsely claims that a task force comprising the 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.”
He added that “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).”
Reiterating the administration’s stance, the government said President Bola Tinubu remains committed to governance priorities such as economic reforms, addressing insecurity, boosting trade, 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,” the statement added.
The Federal Government further referenced Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantees freedom of association and assembly, while underscoring President Tinubu’s constitutional oath to uphold democratic values.
“The Federal Government remains unwavering in its commitment to the rule of law, due process, and the independence of institutions,” the release stated.
It also warned Nigerians against the spread of fake news and disinformation, cautioning that such narratives may increase as the 2027 elections approach, and urged citizens to resist “the politics of distortion and division” by remaining vigilant.
