ADC: APC blamed Buhari for Nigeria’s woes, now pretending to mourn him

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of pretending to mourn former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Buhari, who served as president from 2015 to 2023, died on Sunday at a clinic in London following a prolonged illness.

A statement on Monday by Bolaji Abdullahi, interim national publicity secretary of the ADC, said the ruling party and the federal government had spent the last two years discrediting Buhari’s record and achievements.

“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 also declared a three-day mourning period starting Tuesday, July 15, adding that all political activities and public statements would be suspended in honour of the former president.

“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 statement reads.

“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.”

‘HE LEFT AN INDELIBLE IMPRINT ON NIGERIA’S POLITICAL HISTORY’

In a separate statement by Abdullahi, the ADC, while mourning the passing of the deceased, said Buhari would be remembered for his “indelible imprint on Nigeria’s political history as an elder statesman and, above all, as a great patriot.”

The ADC added that the former military ruler and president was a “towering figure who typifies humility, integrity and zero tolerance for corruption”.

Abdullahi also prayed for strength for Buhari’s loved ones and for all Nigerians during this moment of grief.