The Presidency has strongly criticised the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for accusing President Bola Tinubu’s administration of exploiting the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari for political advantage.
On Friday, the ADC alleged that the Tinubu government had used Buhari’s passing as an opportunity to whitewash its image.
Responding to the accusation, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, described the opposition party’s remarks as “shameless” and “obnoxious.”
He accused the ADC and its leaders of showing disrespect towards Buhari and attempting to gain relevance by “dancing on his grave.”
“Let’s be clear: it is the ADC, not this government, that is exploiting Buhari’s death for political attention,” said Dare. “From Atiku and El-Rufai’s choreographed appearance in Daura — welcomed with chants clearly aimed at scoring political points — to this disgraceful statement, the ADC has behaved with utter shamelessness.”
He added that Buhari’s burial was conducted with full honours befitting his status. “That’s why world leaders attended, millions watched across TV and social media, and even ADC figures rushed to Daura, moving around the Buhari compound like estate agents eyeing new property,” he remarked.
Dare urged Nigerians to disregard what he called “the political noise of a party desperate for attention.”
RE: BUHARI’S BURIAL — A RESPONSE TO ADC’S OBNOXIOUS STATEMENT
Sunday Dare further described the ADC’s statement on Buhari’s burial as a “laughable tantrum” by a disorganised party struggling to stay relevant.
“This isn’t the first time the ADC has embarrassed itself with hollow press releases,” he said. “A party suffering from an identity crisis now believes it can lecture the President on governance, decorum, and public accountability. It’s absurd.”
Dare accused the ADC of issuing disjointed statements on nearly every issue just to remind Nigerians of its existence.
“Their claim that Tinubu’s government exploited Buhari’s death is not only dishonest; it insults millions of Nigerians who mourned a statesman and witnessed his state burial conducted with dignity.”
He reiterated that President Tinubu’s administration had no interest in cheap popularity. “This government prefers to let its growing list of achievements speak louder than the desperate noise of a fringe party.”
Highlighting the administration’s progress, Dare noted:
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Stabilised naira and harmonised exchange rates
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Oil production raised to 1.7 million barrels per day
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FAAC allocations increased by over 60%
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Debt-ridden states now paying salaries, pensions, and contractors
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Electricity restored to previously neglected areas
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Major infrastructure projects completed
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400,000 students benefitting from student loans
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Launch of a national consumer credit scheme
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Creation of regional development commissions
“These aren’t just press statements. They’re measurable results,” he stressed.
Dare questioned what the ADC offers Nigerians besides complaints. “This party, beset by internal squabbles and legal battles, clings to press releases in a bid to remain relevant. Should such a group be taken seriously? Absolutely not.”
He concluded by affirming President Tinubu’s commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda and urged Nigerians to ignore the “antics of political scavengers.”
“Governance continues. Nigeria remains stable. President Tinubu remains focused on delivering real results, not on indulging political distractions.”
Sunday Dare
Special Adviser to the President (Media & Public Communications)
July 19, 2025