Abuja, December 31, 2025
–The Federal Government of Nigeria has categorically denied any plans to unlawfully arrest, detain, or prosecute opposition figures, dismissing a circulating document alleging such intentions as entirely fabricated.
In a press release issued on Tuesday by the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the government addressed claims of a non-existent multi-agency task force under a purported programme tagged “ADP4VIP” (Arrest, Detain, Prosecute for Very Important Persons).
The statement described the document as baseless, falsely alleging that a task force involving 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, was set up to target prominent opposition figures without due process.
It further noted that the authors of the disinformation cited “multiple credible sources” to claim a planned “systematic weakening and neutralisation of opposition political activity,” especially targeting the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The Federal Government emphatically stated:
There is no such programme as “ADP4VIP.”
The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is firmly focused on its core agenda: implementing measurable economic reforms, defeating insecurity, expanding trade opportunities, and restoring investor confidence.
Attempts by some opposition elements to portray lawful accountability as political targeting represent a dangerous red herring intended to shield certain VIPs from accountability to national laws and anti-corruption agencies.
The government highlighted its commitment to constitutional principles, noting that Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantees every Nigerian the right to freely associate and assemble. President Tinubu, described as a democrat with significant positive contributions, has sworn an oath to uphold the Constitution, including protections for freedoms of association and religion.
Under President Tinubu’s leadership, the Federal Government remains committed to the rule of law, due process, and the independence of institutions. Nigeria operates as a constitutional democracy, where law enforcement and judicial agencies perform their duties professionally, without interference, in the nation’s best interest.
Politicians and citizens were urged to avoid spreading disinformation, misinformation, and fake news, particularly in an era where credibility depends on informational accuracy.
With the 2027 general elections approaching, the public was warned to expect an increase in fabricated narratives and political blackmail by those using falsehoods for relevance. Nigerians were encouraged to remain vigilant and reject politics of distortion and division.
Every Nigerian retains the constitutional right to lawful association and political activity, while security and anti-corruption institutions maintain their mandate to operate in the national interest.
Concluding the statement, the government affirmed that as 2025 ends and a new year begins, it will not be distracted by perpetual politicking. Nigerians deserve continuity, progress, and tangible results, which the Tinubu Administration is dedicated to delivering.
The press release was signed by Mohammed Idris, fnipr, Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Federal Republic of Nigeria, dated Tuesday, December 30, 2025.
FG Debunks Claims of Secret ‘ADP4VIP’ Task Force to Target Opposition Figures
