No Plans to Arrest or Detain Opposition Leaders, FG Dismisses Allegations
The Federal Government of Nigeria has dismissed as false and misleading recent claims suggesting that it intends to unlawfully arrest, detain, or prosecute opposition figures under a purported programme dubbed “ADP4VIP” (Arrest, Detain, Prosecute for Very Important Persons), the Ministry of Information and National Orientation has confirmed.
In a statement issued by the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, FNIPR, the government clarified that no such multi-agency task force exists, contrary to circulating documents that named the EFCC, ICPC, and NFIU as participants under the coordination of the Office of the National Security Adviser.
“These allegations are baseless,” the statement read. “There is no programme called ‘ADP4VIP.’ The claims of targeting prominent opposition figures, particularly members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), are deliberate disinformation intended to mislead the public and shield certain individuals from lawful accountability.”
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The government emphasized that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, remains firmly focused on its core agenda: implementing economic reforms, combating insecurity, expanding trade opportunities, and restoring investor confidence. It stressed that attempts to frame legitimate law enforcement and anti-corruption activities as political targeting constitute a dangerous diversion from national priorities.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s democratic principles, the statement noted that Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees the right to freely associate and assemble. The government assured that law enforcement and judicial institutions will continue to operate independently, professionally, and in accordance with due process.
“With the 2027 general elections approaching, the public should expect an uptick in fabricated narratives aimed at political blackmail,” the Ministry of Information warned, urging citizens to reject disinformation and remain vigilant against attempts to distort facts for political ends.
The Ministry concluded by reiterating the government’s commitment to continuity, progress, and delivering tangible results for Nigerians, insisting that it will not be distracted by falsehoods or perpetual politicking.
By PRNigeria
