Nigeria’s opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) has leveled sharp criticism at President Bola Tinubu, accusing his administration of orchestrating a political spectacle during the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari. In a Friday statement, the party’s interim spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, alleged that Tinubu’s participation in recent tributes—including a Federal Executive Council ceremony and the prominent inclusion of Buhari’s son, Yusuf—aimed to rehabilitate the government’s tarnished reputation.
The ADC characterized the gestures as a “calculated PR stunt by an unpopular government” designed to court favor in northern Nigeria and among Buhari loyalists. The party highlighted what it called a stark reversal in Tinubu’s rhetoric, noting that his administration had spent much of the past year attributing the nation’s economic struggles—including soaring inflation and unemployment—to Buhari’s policies. Now, the ADC argued, Tinubu appears to be leveraging the late leader’s legacy to deflect accountability. “Grief is not a campaign strategy,” the statement asserted, dismissing the government’s efforts as insincere.
The criticism comes amid growing public frustration over Nigeria’s economic instability, which has seen food and fuel prices spiral and the naira plummet against the dollar. While Tinubu’s allies have defended recent reforms, including the removal of a costly fuel subsidy, the ADC accused the government of “behaving like an army of occupation” and doubling down on policies critics say disproportionately burden ordinary citizens.
The party expressed confidence that Nigerians would recognize the alleged political maneuvering, stating, “No public relations stunt can save a government that has lost touch with its people.” Analysts suggest the ADC’s rebuke reflects broader opposition efforts to challenge Tinubu’s narrative ahead of future elections, particularly in regions where Buhari retained significant influence.
Neither the presidency nor representatives of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had issued a formal response to the ADC’s claims at the time of reporting. However, political observers note that the controversy underscores the delicate balancing act Tinubu faces in addressing Nigeria’s crises while navigating complex alliances and historical grievances within the country’s political elite.
