APC slams ADC over criticism of Buhari’s state burial, calls it ‘insensitive’
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has described the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as insensitive and desperate for attention following its criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s handling of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s state burial.
In a statement on Saturday, Felix Morka, APC’s national publicity secretary, said the ADC’s remarks were not only ill-timed but also “spooky and unconscionable.”
On Thursday, President Tinubu paid glowing tributes to Buhari during a special federal executive council (FEC) session held in his honour at the State House.
He described the former president as a “good, decent, and honourable man” whose values would be remembered, despite his flaws.
But reacting to the tribute, Bolaji Abdullahi, interim publicity secretary of the ADC, dismissed the gesture as a “deliberate publicity stunt” by what he called an “unpopular administration.”
The ADC’s comments sparked backlash from the APC, which accused the opposition party of lacking empathy and basic decency.
“The party’s criticism of the dignified state burial accorded the late President is as spooky as it is unconscionable,” Morka said.
“Again, the ADC has showcased itself to be without any understanding of customary state practice, and lacking empathy and essential humanity.
“It has cut its own portrait as a party of mindless political dregs, a dump of Nigeria’s internally displaced politicians, ready to do or say anything in chase of attention but sinking itself deeper in quicks and ignominy.”
Morka questioned what the ADC expected President Tinubu to do—deny Buhari a state burial or ignore the mourning family?
“What would the ADC have had President Tinubu do? Deny the late President Buhari the honour of a befitting state burial?,” Morka said.
“Withhold empathy and support for the bereaved former first family? As a party that can begrudge the dead, the ADC must surely disdain the living.”
He said the ADC’s statement went beyond opposition politics and accused the party of exploiting a solemn moment for cheap political points.
“It is unacceptable for the ADC to politicize a solemn moment of national grief, more so, as its senseless statement was issued during the week of national mourning for the late President.
“The party’s reference to heartfelt gestures and activities of the government in honour of the late President as ‘exploitation’ is beyond the pale.”
Morka added that Tinubu’s role in the burial showed true leadership and national unity.
“President Bola Tinubu showed compassion and a deep sense of loss of a friend, close political associate and predecessor,” he said.
“He demonstrated patriotism and leadership by overseeing and participating in honouring the late President who gave so much to our dear nation.”
He urged Nigerians to be wary of what he described as the “deceitful politics” of the ADC.
The APC said Buhari’s legacy of service as a soldier, former military head of state, and two-term democratic president should be respected, not used as a tool for political attack.
