- ADC warned Buhari’s family and loyalists to be cautious of political opportunism from those who opposed him.
- Buhari described as a towering patriot with a zero-tolerance stance on corruption and unmatched devotion to duty.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has slammed the All Progressives Congress (APC) for what it described as fake grief over the death of former president, Muhammadu Buhari.
The former leader died on Sunday at a clinic in London after battling a long illness.
The interim national publicity secretary of the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, accused the APC and the federal government of launching coordinated attacks on Buhari’s legacy while he was alive.
Abdullahi said it was shameful that the same people who “blamed Buhari for their failings” were now parading themselves as “chief mourners”.
“ADC notes with regret that his own political party and the government that had done everything in the last two years to tarnish his records, dismantle his legacies and blame him for every one of their failings are now posturing as the chief mourners at his burial,” the statement reads.
“This is sheer hypocrisy and a brazen move to harvest political gains from a national tragedy.
“We therefore wish to alert the family and loyalists of the late president to be wary of political opportunism.”
The ADC announced a three-day mourning period beginning Tuesday, July 15, and said it would suspend political activities and public comments throughout.
“The ADC urges Nigerians to remember President Buhari for what he represented at his best: integrity, humility, and a deep commitment to public service,” the party stated.
“Let his memory be a mirror that reflects the personal ethics that we must continue to demand from leadership for generations to come.
“This is in solemn recognition of President Buhari’s contribution to the Nigerian nation—as citizen, as a soldier, as Military Head of State and as a democratically elected President.
“Regardless of political affiliations, what cannot be denied is that President Buhari served this country with a fierce sense of duty, personal discipline, and conviction.
“With his force of personal example, Buhari inspired millions across social divides, but especially the poor, who adored and stuck with him throughout his political sojourn and thereafter.
In another statement, the ADC described the late president as an “elder statesman” whose impact on Nigeria’s political history was “indelible”.
The party said Buhari was a towering figure, revered for his humility, integrity, and anti-corruption stance.
Abdullahi also offered prayers for the bereaved family and the nation as a whole during this period of national mourning.