Tensions have flared between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following accusations that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is using the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari for political advantage.
The ADC, in a statement issued on Friday by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, criticised the recent tributes paid to the late president by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), calling them “insincere, opportunistic, and deliberately orchestrated.”
The party claimed the tributes were part of a larger public relations strategy to distract from the government’s poor performance.Abdullahi specifically faulted the inclusion of Buhari’s son, Yusuf, at the FEC session, describing it as a political stunt.
“The Federal Executive Council’s tribute—complete with a carefully publicised appearance by the late President’s grieving son—was not a genuine show of respect,” Abdullahi said.
“It was a calculated PR move by an unpopular government trying to distract Nigerians from its failures and manipulate Buhari’s legacy for its benefit. It’s tasteless and hypocritical.
”He further argued that the Tinubu administration had, in the past, distanced itself from Buhari’s leadership, particularly by blaming him for unpopular policies like the fuel subsidy removal and economic challenges, only to now portray him positively.
“For months, this government blamed Buhari for the current hardship. Now, they are trying to position themselves as his defenders because it suits their political agenda.
”Abdullahi warned against using the personal grief of Buhari’s family, saying:> “Yusuf Buhari, still mourning his father, should not have been used for political optics. Nigerians deserve to know why a private family tragedy is being turned into a publicity show.
”APC Fires Back: ‘Respect the Dead’Responding to the allegations, the APC strongly condemned the ADC’s remarks, describing them as insensitive and inappropriate during a period of national mourning.
Speaking to Gists9ja, APC Deputy National Organising Secretary, Chidi Duru, urged all political parties to demonstrate compassion and restraint.
“There are certain lines that shouldn’t be crossed—especially when it concerns the death of a national figure,” Duru said.“Regardless of differing views about the former President, he is no longer with us. His family, and many Nigerians, are grieving.
”Duru cautioned the ADC against “playing politics with the dead,” urging them to allow the Buhari family to mourn in peace.> “Not everything should be politicised. This is a time for empathy and dignity, not accusations. Let us allow the late President’s family to grieve without turning their pain into political capital.”
