Federal Govt Denies Alleged Plot To Arrest Opposition Politicians

The federal government has categorically stated that it harbours no plans to arrest, detain, or prosecute opposition figures unlawfully.

This clarification is in response to a fabricated document circulating in the media, which alleges the establishment of a non-existent multi-agency task force for a purported programme called “ADP4VIP” (Arrest, Detain, Prosecute for Very Important Persons). The baseless document falsely claims 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, aims to target prominent opposition figures aggressively without due process.

In a statement issued to journalists yesterday in Abuja, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said 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).

He emphasised: “There is no such programme as ‘ADP4VIP.’ The administration of President Bola Tinubu 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 Nigeria’s laws and anti-corruption agencies.”

The minister underscored the government’s foundational principles, noting that Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantees every Nigerian the right to associate and assemble freely.

He said President Tinubu swore an oath to uphold the Constitution and its protections, including the freedoms of association and religion. “He is a democrat with considerable and positive footprints.”

Idris added that 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.

He stated that 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.

The minister said politicians and citizens are therefore enjoined to desist from engaging in disinformation, misinformation, and fake news, especially in an era where credibility is intrinsically linked to informational fidelity.

He added that 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,” he said.

“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,” he added.

He concluded: “As we draw the curtain on 2025 and step into a new year, this administration 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.”