By BONIFACE AKARAH

The Federal Government on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, dismissed as false and misleading claims that it was planning to unlawfully arrest and prosecute opposition figures, describing a circulating document alleging the creation of a secret task force as “fabricated.”

In a statement issued by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the government debunked reports of a supposed multi-agency programme tagged “ADP4VIP” (Arrest, Detain, Prosecute for Very Important Persons), allegedly designed to target opposition politicians.

The government urged Nigerians to remain vigilant as the country approaches the 2027 general elections, warning that politically motivated disinformation and blackmail were likely to increase. It said the Tinubu administration would not be distracted from delivering economic reforms, tackling insecurity, and restoring investor confidence.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria categorically states that it harbours no plans to unlawfully arrest, detain, or prosecute opposition figures,” the statement said, stressing that “there is no such programme as ‘ADP4VIP.’”

The document, according to the minister, falsely claimed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), under the coordination of the Office of the National Security Adviser, were working to suppress opposition political activity, particularly within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Idris described the claims as deliberate disinformation, adding that attempts to portray lawful accountability as political persecution were “a dangerous red herring designed to shield so-called VIPs from answering to national laws and anti-corruption agencies.”

He reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to democratic principles, noting that Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees Nigerians the right to freedom of association and assembly. “President Tinubu swore an oath to uphold the Constitution and its protections,” the statement said, describing him as “a democrat with considerable and positive footprints.”

The minister further assured that under Tinubu’s leadership, law enforcement and judicial institutions would continue to operate independently and professionally, without political interference.

“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,” the statement added, stressing that Nigerians deserve continuity, progress, and tangible results.