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By Oscar Okhifo
A feud has erupted between the Presidency and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over what the latter describes as the politicisation of the death and burial of former President, Muhammadu Buhari.
The ADC had accused President Bola Tinubu-led administration of exploiting Buhari’s passing for political mileage, particularly in Northern Nigeria.
The party condemned the Federal Executive Council (FEC) session held in Buhari’s honour and the prominent role played by his son, Yusuf Buhari, as acts of “calculated public relations.”
“The Tinubu administration, having blamed Buhari for Nigeria’s economic woes, is now turning around to sanctify him in death purely for political convenience,” ADC spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi said.
“Forcing the late president’s son to show public gratitude reeks of manipulation and disrespect.”
Responding, the Presidency dismissed the allegations as “obnoxious” and accused the ADC of “dancing on Buhari’s grave for political relevance.”
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, described the ADC’s remarks as disgraceful, saying, “The state funeral was conducted with dignity and honour befitting Buhari’s legacy. It is the ADC that seeks to score cheap points from a national loss.”
Dare further characterized the ADC as “a poorly amalgamated political contraption gasping for public attention.”
The All Progressives Congress (APC) also weighed in, with Lagos State APC Publicity Secretary, Seye Oladejo, calling the ADC’s statements “baseless and tasteless.”
“President Tinubu’s involvement in the funeral events was born out of respect and loyalty. It is unfortunate that the opposition would stoop this low,” Oladejo said.
The ADC, which has recently become a rallying platform for opposition figures like Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, David Mark, and Nasir El-Rufai, appears to be using its criticism of the Buhari burial as part of a broader strategy to challenge Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.