Eshioromeh Sebastian in Abuja
In a firm denouncement of what it terms “deliberate disinformation,” the Federal Government has dismissed as entirely fabricated a document alleging a state-sponsored plot to unlawfully target opposition figures.
The government issued a stark warning that with the 2027 general elections on the horizon, the public should brace for an increase in such “fabricated narratives and political blackmail.”
The clarification was issued by the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, fnipr, in response to a circulating document alleging the creation of a non-existent multi-agency task force for a programme tagged “ADP4VIP” (Arrest, Detain, Prosecute for Very Important Persons).
The document falsely claimed 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), and coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser, was established to aggressively target prominent opposition politicians without due process.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria categorically states that it harbours no plans to unlawfully arrest, detain, or prosecute opposition figures,” the Minister stated. “There is no such programme as ‘ADP4VIP.’ This is a baseless fabrication from the minds of those who employ falsehood as a strategy for relevance.”
Minister Idris emphasized that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, remains singularly focused on its governance agenda. “The administration is firmly and successfully focused on its core agenda: implementing measurable economic reforms, defeating insecurity, expanding trade opportunities, and restoring investor confidence,” he said.
He characterized the alleged document as a “dangerous red herring” by opposition elements. “The attempt by some opposition elements to frame lawful accountability as political targeting is designed to shield so-called VIPs from answering to our national laws and anti-corruption agencies,” the Minister asserted.
Reaffirming the government’s foundational principles, Idris pointed to the Constitution. “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. He is a democrat with considerable and positive footprints.”
“Under President Tinubu’s leadership,” he continued, “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.”
The Minister concluded with a direct appeal to the public for vigilance as the political season approaches. “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,” Idris cautioned.
“With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, the public should anticipate an increase in fabricated narratives and political blackmail. 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,” he stated, drawing a clear distinction between legitimate political activity and lawful accountability.
“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,” the Minister affirmed.
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