Breaking: FG Denies Plan to Target Opposition, Calls Allegations Fabricated, Reaffirms Commitment to Rule of Law
The Federal Government of Nigeria has categorically denied allegations that it plans to target opposition figures through a purported task force, describing the claims as “fabricated” and “baseless”.
In a statement issued by the minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the government said it is committed to upholding the rule of law and due process, and urged Nigerians to reject “politics of distortion and division”.
The statement comes amid circulating claims of a task force involving anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), to target prominent opposition figures without due process.
The alleged task force, purportedly called “ADP4VIP” (Arrest, Detain, Prosecute for Very Important Persons), has been denied by the government as non-existent.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria categorically states that it harbours no plans to unlawfully arrest, detain, or prosecute opposition figures,” the statement partly read .
The government emphasized that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is focused on implementing measurable economic reforms, defeating insecurity, expanding trade opportunities, and restoring investor confidence.
“The attempt by some opposition elements to frame lawful accountability as political targeting is a dangerous red herring designed to shield so-called VIPs from answering to our national laws and anti-corruption agencies,” the statement added.
The government reiterated its commitment to the Constitution, particularly Section 40, which guarantees every Nigerian the right to freely associate and assemble.
“Nigeria is a constitutional democracy where law enforcement and judicial agencies are obligated to perform their duties professionally, without interference, and in the nation’s best interest,” the statement emphasized.
The government urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and reject fabricated narratives, especially with the 2027 general elections approaching, saying “the public should anticipate an increase in fabricated narratives and political blackmail by actors who employ falsehood as a strategy for relevance”.
The statement concluded: “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 dedicated to delivering.”
