ADC Accuses Tinubu Of Exploiting Buhari’s Death For PR, Presidency Fires Back
A heated exchange has erupted between the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Presidency over claims that President Bola Tinubu used the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari to score political points.
The ADC, in a statement on Friday, accused the Tinubu administration of turning Buhari’s burial into a public relations opportunity, especially to regain support in the North.
The party’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, described the Federal Executive Council’s tribute and the public appearance of Buhari’s son, Yusuf, as “a calculated PR stunt by an unpopular government.”
He said it was ironic that the same government had spent over a year blaming Buhari for the country’s economic crisis, only to now use his death to seek sympathy and political mileage.
“Grief is not a campaign strategy,” the ADC stated.
The party said Buhari’s legacy was repeatedly dismissed by the Tinubu government, particularly in areas like fuel subsidy, economy, and governance.
It warned against dragging the late President’s family into “a political circus” and urged the Presidency to let the North and Buhari loyalists mourn in peace.
But the Presidency did not take the attack lightly.
In a statement on Saturday, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, described the ADC’s remarks as “shameless and obnoxious.”
He said it was the ADC that was actually trying to exploit Buhari’s death for political relevance.
“Let it be said clearly: the ADC is the one exploiting Buhari’s death for political attention, not this government,” he said.
The Presidency pointed out that opposition figures like Atiku Abubakar and Nasir El-Rufai also travelled to Daura, questioning the motive behind their visits.
Dare dismissed the ADC’s outrage as a “laughable tantrum” from a party with no political weight.
He added, “Even ADC promoters were seen prancing about Daura like eager real estate agents scouting new territory.”
The Presidency defended Tinubu’s handling of Buhari’s burial, saying it was done with dignity and national unity in mind.
It also used the opportunity to highlight the government’s achievements, including naira stabilisation, improved oil production, increased FAAC allocations, power restoration to underserved areas, and major infrastructure projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Sokoto-Badagry Road.
Other listed achievements include the student loan scheme, regional development commissions, and Nigeria’s first Consumer Credit Scheme.
“These are results. Not empty statements,” Dare said.
He said no amount of “venomous press releases” from ADC could erase what Nigerians are seeing on the ground.
The Presidency urged citizens to ignore what it called “political noise” and reaffirmed Tinubu’s focus on delivering his Renewed Hope Agenda.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
