All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly condemned the African Democratic Party (ADC) for its criticism of the dignified state burial accorded to the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away last week.
In a statement issued on Friday, July 18, 2025, the ADC accused the President Bola Tinubu-led administration of exploiting Buhari’s death for political gain, prompting a sharp rebuke from the APC, which described the remarks as “insensitive” and “unacceptable.”
The late President Buhari, a revered figure who served as a soldier, military Head of State, and a two-term democratically elected President, was honored with a state burial that reflected Nigeria’s gratitude for his decades of service. The ceremony, marked by national mourning and heartfelt gestures, saw President Tinubu and Nigerians across the country unite in support of Buhari’s grieving family.
However, the ADC’s statement, which labeled the government’s actions as political exploitation, drew fierce criticism from the APC.
The APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, called the ADC’s stance “spooky” and “unconscionable,” accusing the party of lacking empathy and understanding of customary state practices.
“The ADC has showcased itself to be without any understanding of customary state practice, and lacking empathy and essential humanity,” Morka said.
He further described the ADC as a “party of mindless political dregs” sinking “deeper in the quicksand of ignominy” in its pursuit of attention.
Morka challenged the ADC’s position, questioning, “What would the ADC have had President Tinubu do? Deny the late President Buhari the honour of a befitting state burial? Withhold empathy and support for the bereaved former first family?”
He emphasized that politicizing a solemn moment of national grief was unacceptable, particularly during the designated week of mourning. The APC deemed the ADC’s reference to the government’s tributes as “exploitation” as “beyond the pale” and outside the bounds of justifiable opposition politics.
Highlighting Buhari’s legacy, Morka noted, “The late President Buhari lived a life of illustrious service to country… He was also just a human being, a father, survived by a loving but grieving family worthy of our collective empathy and support at this difficult time.”
The APC spokeman praised President Tinubu for his compassion and leadership, stating, “President Bola Tinubu showed compassion and a deep sense of loss of a friend, close political associate, and predecessor.”
The APC called on Nigerians to remain cautious of the ADC’s tactics, describing its leaders as “political marauders prowling for power with nothing to offer Nigerians except peddling falsehood and vilifying a President who is hard at work for the transformation and progress of our nation.”