The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) has denied claims that it set up a task force to target opposition figures, stating that such allegations are false and misleading.
This was made known in a statement issued by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, following the circulation of a document online claiming the creation of a multi-agency task force designed to target well-known opposition politicians under an alleged program titled “ADP4VIP” (Arrest, Detain, Prosecute for Very Important Persons).
The minister said, “The Federal Government of Nigeria categorically states that it harbors no plans to unlawfully arrest, detain, or prosecute opposition figures. There is no such programme as ‘ADP4VIP.’”
The statement noted that the fabricated document stated that the special task force was made up of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), adding that the program is allegedly coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to target opposition political figures, especially members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
According to the statement, “The attempt by some opposition elements to frame lawful accountability as political targeting is a dangerous red herring, aimed at shielding so-called VIPs from answering to our national laws and anti-corruption agencies.
“President Tinubu swore an oath to uphold the Constitution and its protections. He is a democrat with a long and positive record.
“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.
“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 committed to delivering.”