The All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly condemned the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for what it described as a “spooky” and “unconscionable” attack on the state burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
In a press statement issued on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the ruling party described the ADC’s remarks as “insensitive and unacceptable,” accusing the opposition party of politicizing a solemn moment of national mourning.
The ADC had on Friday criticized the President Bola Tinubu-led administration for allegedly exploiting Buhari’s passing for political mileage. But the APC fired back, saying the comments reflect a deep lack of empathy and a gross misunderstanding of customary state practices.
“The party’s criticism of the dignified state burial accorded the late President is as spooky as it is unconscionable,” the APC said. “The ADC has showcased itself to be without any understanding of customary state practice, and lacking empathy and essential humanity.”
Morka accused the ADC of being a “party of mindless political dregs” and a haven for “internally displaced politicians” desperate for relevance. He questioned what alternative the ADC would have preferred — suggesting the opposition party would have had President Tinubu deny Buhari a befitting burial or withhold support for his grieving family.
“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,” the statement read. “The party’s reference to heartfelt gestures and activities of the government in honour of the late President as ‘exploitation’ is beyond the pale.”
Describing Buhari as a patriot who served Nigeria with distinction as a soldier, military Head of State, and two-term civilian President, the APC said the former leader deserves honour in both life and death.
President Tinubu, the party added, acted with compassion and leadership by supporting Buhari’s family and leading the state burial with dignity.
The APC also warned Nigerians to be wary of what it called “political marauders” in the ADC, accusing the party of offering nothing but falsehoods and opportunism while the current administration focuses on delivering national progress.
The statement concluded with a call for unity and respect during the period of mourning, emphasizing that empathy must override partisan politics in times of national loss.