Federal Government has dismissed reports alleging plans to target opposition figures, describing the claims as false and deliberately misleading.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the Federal Government denied allegations that it plans to unlawfully arrest, detain, or prosecute opposition politicians.
The government was reacting to what it described as a fabricated document alleging the creation of a so-called multi-agency task force under a programme tagged “ADP4VIP”, an acronym for Arrest, Detain, and Prosecute Very Important Persons. According to the statement, no such programme exists.
The statement also said the document falsely claims that agencies including the EFCC, ICPC, and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, NFIU coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser, are targeting opposition figures, particularly members of the African Democratic Congress.
It stressed that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains focused on economic reforms, tackling insecurity, expanding trade, and restoring investor confidence.
The statement reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the rule of law, due process, and the independence of democratic institutions, noting that Nigeria’s Constitution guarantees freedom of association and political participation.
The Federal Government also warned against the spread of fake news, especially as the 2027 general elections approach, urging Nigerians to remain vigilant and reject divisive political narratives.
It added that while every citizen has the right to lawful political activity, security and anti-corruption agencies retain the mandate to operate in the national interest.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
