By Chimezie Godfrey
The Federal Government has dismissed as false and misleading a document alleging plans to unlawfully arrest, detain and prosecute opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the circulating document—purportedly establishing a multi-agency task force under a programme tagged “ADP4VIP” (Arrest, Detain, Prosecute for Very Important Persons)—as a fabrication designed to mislead the public.
The document alleged that 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, were planning to target prominent opposition figures, particularly members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Reacting, the minister said there was no such programme or task force and accused unnamed political actors of deliberately spreading disinformation.
“There is no such programme as ‘ADP4VIP’. The Federal Government harbours no plans to unlawfully arrest, detain or prosecute opposition figures,” Idris stated.
He said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains focused on economic reforms, tackling insecurity, expanding trade, and restoring investor confidence, rather than engaging in political persecution.
According to him, attempts to portray lawful accountability as political targeting are aimed at shielding certain individuals from scrutiny by anti-corruption agencies.
The minister also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to constitutional democracy, noting that Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees freedom of association and assembly.
“President Tinubu is a democrat who swore to uphold the Constitution and its protections. Under his leadership, the Federal Government remains unwavering in its commitment to the rule of law, due process, and the independence of institutions,” he said.
Idris urged politicians and citizens to refrain from misinformation, warning that fabricated narratives and political blackmail may intensify as the 2027 elections approach.