The Federal Government has dismissed claims that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is deploying security and anti-graft agencies to harass, arrest, or detain opposition politicians without due process.
It also categorically denied the existence of a purported multi-agency task force allegedly named “ADP4VIP” (Arrest, Detain, Prosecute for Very Important Persons).
The clarification was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
According to the Minister, the allegation that the so-called “ADP4VIP” task force was set up to coordinate the EFCC, ICPC, and NFIU, under the Office of the National Security Adviser, to target prominent opposition figures is false and fabricated.
Idris stated that President Tinubu remains a committed democrat who upholds the rule of law, due process, and institutional independence.
He said:
“The Federal Government of Nigeria categorically states that it harbours no plans to unlawfully arrest, detain, or prosecute opposition figures. The alleged establishment of a non-existent multi-agency task force for a purported programme tagged ‘ADP4VIP’ is false.”
The statement added that attempts by some politicians to portray lawful accountability as political persecution are a “dangerous red herring” intended to shield highly placed individuals from answering corruption allegations.
The government further stressed that:
-
There is no such programme as “ADP4VIP.”
-
The Tinubu administration is focused on economic reforms, tackling insecurity, expanding trade, and restoring investor confidence.
-
Lawful investigations by anti-corruption agencies should not be misrepresented as political witch-hunt.
Idris emphasized that Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees freedom of association, and President Tinubu has sworn to uphold these rights.
He urged Nigerians to be wary of fake news and political disinformation, especially as the 2027 general elections draw nearer, warning that fabricated narratives will likely increase.
The Minister added that while citizens have the right to political participation, security and anti-graft institutions equally retain the constitutional mandate to operate in the national interest.
As the country approaches the end of 2025, Idris said the Tinubu administration will not be distracted by “perpetual politicking” but will remain focused on delivering governance, progress, and tangible results to Nigerians.