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ADC criticised for attacking Buhari’s state burial amid national mourning

ADC criticised for attacking Buhari’s state burial amid national mourning
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Buhari’s State Burial

ADC criticised for attacking rites amid national mourning

Summary

  • The African Democratic Congress (ADC) accused the Tinubu administration of politicising former President Muhammadu Buhari’s state burial
  • The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Presidency strongly condemned the ADC’s remarks as “insensitive” and “opportunistic”
  • The burial, held with full state honours in Daura, was attended by President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima, and other top officials
  • Political observers say the controversy underscores ongoing opposition rivalry and power struggles within Nigeria’s political landscape

Abuja, Nigeria – The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has drawn sharp criticism from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Presidency over its condemnation of the state burial held for former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died in London on 13 July 2025 at the age of 82.

In a statement issued on 18 July by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC accused President Bola Tinubu’s government of staging a “political theatre” around Buhari’s death and described the Federal Executive Council meeting held in his honour as a “calculated PR stunt.” The party argued that the administration was exploiting national grief for political mileage.

The late president was laid to rest on 15 July in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State in a ceremony which featured military honours, a 21-gun salute, and was marked by a national public holiday. President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and several dignitaries attended the burial, which came during a week of national mourning.

Reacting to the ADC’s comments, APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka condemned the party’s stance, calling it “unconscionable” and “spooky.” Morka said the ADC lacked empathy and had once again proven itself to be a “dump of Nigeria’s internally displaced politicians.” He stressed that Buhari’s burial was conducted with dignity befitting his stature as both a former military and civilian leader.

The Presidency, through Special Adviser Sunday Dare, also dismissed the ADC’s remarks as “laughable tantrums,” accusing the party of grasping for relevance. Dare emphasised that Tinubu’s gestures, including attending the burial, declaring a national mourning period, and renaming a university in Buhari’s honour, were both appropriate and respectful.

Former Senator Shehu Sani weighed in, defending Tinubu’s approach to the funeral and pointing out that the current president had gone further in honouring Buhari than Buhari had done for some past leaders.

Some critics accused the ADC of hypocrisy, alleging that party figures such as Atiku Abubakar and Nasir El-Rufai attempted to use their presence at the burial for political gain while publicly criticising the process.

Analysts who spoke to AfrikTimes say the row highlights persistent political friction in Nigeria, with opposition parties like the ADC seeking to position themselves as alternatives to the ruling APC ahead of future elections.

 

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reporter
Idowu Shekoni is a broadcast journalist, multimedia content developer, and versatile writer with over a decade of experience in media, storytelling, and digital content development. With a strong passion for delivering engaging and impactful narratives, he has carved a niche for himself as an articulate communicator, creative thinker, and meticulous content strategist.

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