The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised President Bola Tinubu, accusing him of using the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari to gain political attention.
In a statement released by the ADC’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party described Tinubu’s tribute to Buhari during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) session as a publicity stunt aimed at improving the image of his government.
During the tribute, President Tinubu had described Buhari as a decent and honourable man who showed discipline, patriotism, and integrity. Tinubu admitted Buhari wasn’t perfect but praised his dedication to national service.
But the ADC questioned the sincerity of Tinubu’s praise. They noted that for over a year, the same administration had blamed Buhari for Nigeria’s economic problems. Now, they say, the government is using Buhari’s memory to gain favour—especially in the northern region and among Buhari’s supporters.
The ADC pointed out that the Tinubu administration had distanced itself from Buhari’s policies, such as fuel subsidy and economic management. They said the government was now pretending to support the same legacy it once criticised.
According to the ADC, the entire tribute session was carefully planned to appear respectful but was really just a public relations move. They even criticised the presence of Buhari’s son, Yusuf, at the event, calling it emotional manipulation.
They questioned why the government would involve a grieving son in what they described as a political show so soon after his father’s burial.
The ADC reminded Nigerians how the Tinubu administration had previously blamed Buhari for economic troubles and presented itself as the solution to all of Nigeria’s challenges. Now, they say, the same government is pretending to honour Buhari to win public sympathy.
Earlier in the week, the ADC had warned Buhari’s family that the government might try to take political advantage of his passing. They now say that the FEC tribute was only the beginning of that plan.
The party concluded by saying no amount of public displays can save a government that has failed to truly serve its people. They said using a mourning son for political purposes was shameful and urged Nigerians not to be deceived.
The ADC believes Nigerians can see through what they call the government’s “fake tears” and political games.
