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| Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, fnipr |
Nigeria’s Federal Government has firmly denied any plot to illegally target opposition leaders, calling out a circulating fake document as pure fabrication. The so-called “ADP4VIP” (Arrest, Detain, Prosecute for Very Important Persons) scheme, allegedly run by a multi-agency task force, doesn’t exist, officials say.
In a statement signed by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, fnipr, the government dismissed claims of a group involving the EFCC, ICPC, NFIU, and coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser.
The hoax document pretends to draw from “multiple credible sources” to push a narrative of systematically silencing opposition voices, especially in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the minister said.
He also stressed the government’s rock-solid commitment to the rule of law, with no plans for unlawful arrests, detentions, or prosecutions, declaring emphatically that:
“1. There is no such programme as “ADP4VIP.”
“2. The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is firmly and successfully focused on its core agenda: implementing measurable economic reforms, defeating insecurity, expanding trade opportunities, and restoring investor confidence.
”3. 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. “
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