Nigerian Government reaffirms rule of law, dismisses alleged targeting of opposition leaders

*Mohammed Idris, Minister for Information and National Orientation, Nigerian Government categorically, has dismissed any purported plans to unlawfully arrest, detain, or prosecute opposition figures in the West African country

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

The Nigerian Government categorically, has dismissed any purported plans to unlawfully arrest, detain, or prosecute opposition figures in the country.

The government said this as a clarification to a fabricated document in circulation, alleging the establishment of a non-existent multi-agency task force for a purported programme tagged: “ADP4VIP” (Arrest, Detain, Prosecute for Very Important Persons).

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Alhaji Mohammed Idris, fnipr, Honourable Minister for Information and National Orientation, in a statement Tuesday, December 30, 2025, averred the “baseless document falsely claims that a task force comprising the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser, aims to aggressively target prominent opposition figures without due process.”

The Minister stated: “The authors of this deliberate disinformation imprudently cite ‘multiple credible sources’ to allege a planned ‘systematic weakening and neutralisation of opposition political activity’, particularly within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).”

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Idris also clarified the Federal Government stated emphatically that there is no such programme as “ADP4VIP”.

The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, “is firmly and successfully focused on its core agenda: implementing measurable economic reforms, defeating insecurity, expanding trade opportunities, and restoring investor confidence.”

He said 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.

Tinubu, a ‘democrat with considerable, positive footprints’

The government underscores its foundational principles. Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantees every Nigerian the right to freely associate and assemble. President Tinubu swore an oath to uphold this Constitution and its protections, including the freedoms of association and religion.

He is a democrat with considerable and positive footprints.

According to him, under President Tinubu’s leadership, the Federal Government remains unwavering in its commitment to the rule of law, due process, and the independence of institutions.

The statement noted that Nigeria is a constitutional democracy where law enforcement, and judicial agencies are obligated to perform their duties professionally, without interference, and in the country’s best interest.

Politicians and citizens are therefore enjoined to desist from engaging in disinformation, misinformation, and fake news, especially in an era where credibility is intrinsically linked to informational fidelity.

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.

The Minister said: “We urge all Nigerians to remain vigilant and to reject the politics of distortion and division.

“Every Nigerian retains the constitutional right to lawful association and political activity. Concurrently, our security and anti-corruption institutions retain the lawful mandate to operate in the nation’s interest.”

He added: “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.”

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