THE Federal Government has strongly rejected claims that it is operating a clandestine multi-agency task force aimed at unlawfully arresting, detaining, or prosecuting prominent opposition politicians ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement sent to News Point Nigeria on Tuesday, the government described a viral document circulating online as “fabricated”, “baseless”, and part of a deliberate disinformation campaign designed to mislead the public and undermine confidence in state institutions.
The controversial document alleged the existence of a covert operation codenamed “ADP4VIP”, an acronym for Arrest, Detain, Prosecute for Very Important Persons. It further claimed that the supposed task force comprised key anti-graft and intelligence agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), allegedly coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
According to the document, the purported initiative was aimed at targeting high-profile opposition figures, particularly those linked to emerging opposition alliances, in a bid to weaken opposition political activities ahead of the next general elections.
Reacting to the allegations, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, categorically denied the existence of any such programme.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria categorically states that it harbours no plans to unlawfully arrest, detain, or prosecute opposition figures,” the statement said.
“This clarification is in response to a fabricated document in circulation alleging the establishment of a non-existent multi-agency task force for a purported programme tagged ‘ADP4VIP’ (Arrest, Detain, Prosecute for Very Important Persons).”
The minister said the document falsely claimed that anti-graft agencies were being deployed to target opposition figures without due process, describing the narrative as reckless and misleading.
“The baseless document falsely alleges that a task force comprising the EFCC, ICPC, and NFIU, coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser, is planning a systematic weakening and neutralisation of opposition political activity,” the statement added.
The Federal Government stressed that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains focused on governance rather than political vendettas.
“The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is firmly and successfully focused on its core agenda: implementing measurable economic reforms, tackling insecurity, expanding trade opportunities, and restoring investor confidence,” the minister said.
It accused unnamed opposition elements of attempting to reframe lawful accountability as political persecution, warning that such narratives were being used to shield politically exposed persons from scrutiny.
“The attempt 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 statement read.
Reaffirming its commitment to democratic principles, the government cited Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantees Nigerians the right to freely associate and participate in political activities.
It also highlighted President Tinubu’s record as a long-standing democrat and his constitutional oath to uphold the rule of law.
“The Federal Government remains unwavering in its commitment to due process, the rule of law, and the independence of democratic institutions,” the statement said.
The government warned that the spread of fake news and disinformation was likely to intensify as the 2027 elections draw closer, urging Nigerians to remain vigilant.
It called on citizens to reject what it described as “the politics of distortion and division”, stressing the need for responsible political engagement.
The clarification comes amid heightened political activity, including talks of opposition coalitions and the growing visibility of parties such as the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which have been mentioned as potential challengers to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in future elections.