The federal government on Tuesday dismissed allegations that it was planning to go after opposition figures through a programme tagged Arrest, Detain, Prosecute for Very Important Persons (ADP4VIP).
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr Mohammed Idris, the government said there is no iota of truth in the claims.
It was alleged that the government of President Bola Tinubu had concluded plans to harass the opposition, particularly those in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), through 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.
This is coming at a time the government has been accused of going after key members of ADC, with the immediate past Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami, was remanded in prison today.
But in the statement, the Minister emphasised “there is no such programme as ADP4VIP,” noting that Mr Tinubu is “firmly and successfully focused on its core agenda: implementing measurable economic reforms, defeating insecurity, expanding trade opportunities, and restoring investor confidence.”
Mr Idris noted that, “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 government underscores its foundational principles. 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, including the freedoms of association and religion. He is a democrat with considerable and positive footprints.
“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. 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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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 statement said.