The Nigerian Government has rejected claims that it is targeting opposition politicians for arrest or prosecution, describing as false a document circulating online that alleges a plan to unlawfully clamp down on opposition figures.
Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, in a statement said the government harbours no plans whatsoever to unlawfully arrest, detain or prosecute any opposition figure.
He stressed that the document alleging the creation of a multi-agency task force under a so-called programme tagged “ADP4VIP” was entirely fabricated.
“There is no such programme as ‘ADP4VIP,’ and no such task force exists. The claims being pushed under the guise of ‘multiple credible sources’ are deliberate disinformation aimed at misleading the public and undermining confidence in our democratic institutions.”
According to the Minister: “The document had alleged that a task force comprising the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser, was set up to aggressively target prominent opposition figures, particularly within the African Democratic Congress”.
Idris dismissed the allegation, saying the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was focused on governance and reform rather than political persecution.
“This government is firmly and successfully focused on implementing economic reforms, defeating insecurity, expanding trade opportunities and restoring investor confidence,” he said.
He noted that attempts to portray lawful accountability as political targeting were dangerous and misleading.
“The effort by some opposition elements to frame the legitimate work of our law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies as political witch-hunt is a red herring designed to shield so-called VIPs from answering to our national laws,” Idris said.
Nigeria Still a Constitutional Democracy
The minister said the Tinubu administration remained committed to the Constitution and democratic freedoms, noting that Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees Nigerians the right to freedom of association and assembly.
“President Tinubu swore an oath to uphold the Constitution and its protections. He is a democrat with positive and enduring democratic credentials“, he said.
He stressed that Nigeria remained a constitutional democracy where institutions were expected to operate independently and professionally.
“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,” Idris said.
Idris urged politicians and citizens to desist from disinformation and fake news, especially as the 2027 general elections approach, calling on the public to remain vigilant and reject “the politics of distortion and division.
“With elections on the horizon, Nigerians should expect an increase in fabricated narratives and political blackmail. As we draw the curtain on 2025 and move into a new year, this government will not be distracted by perpetual politicking,” Idris said. “Nigerians deserve continuity, progress and tangible results, and that is what the Tinubu administration remains committed to delivering”, he said
He reiterated that while every Nigerian has the constitutional right to lawful political activity and association, security and anti-corruption agencies also have the mandate to operate in the national interest.