The Federal Government has dismissed claims that it plans to arrest, detain or prosecute opposition figures, describing a document circulating online on the matter as fabricated and misleading.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said this in a statement issued on Tuesday, insisting that the document alleging the creation of a multi-agency task force was false and did not emanate from any arm of government.
According to the statement, the document alleged the existence of a programme tagged “ADP4VIP” and claimed that agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit were being coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser to target opposition politicians.
The government said the claims were deliberately concocted and falsely attributed to unnamed “credible sources,” with the aim of suggesting a systematic attempt to weaken opposition political activity, particularly within the African Democratic Congress.
It stressed that no such programme exists and maintained that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is focused on economic reforms, tackling insecurity, expanding trade opportunities and restoring investor confidence rather than engaging in political persecution.
The statement accused some opposition elements of attempting to present lawful accountability as political targeting, warning that such narratives were designed to shield influential individuals from scrutiny by law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies.
Reaffirming its commitment to democracy, the Federal Government noted that the 1999 Constitution guarantees freedom of association and political participation, adding that President Tinubu remains committed to upholding the rule of law, due process and the independence of institutions.
The government also warned Nigerians to be wary of misinformation and fake news, especially as the 2027 general elections approach, noting that fabricated narratives and political blackmail were likely to increase in the period ahead.
It urged citizens to reject divisive politics and assured that while Nigerians are free to engage in lawful political activities, security and anti-corruption agencies will continue to operate within their constitutional mandate in the national interest.