The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced a three-day mourning period across all its structures nationwide to honour the memory of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away recently.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the party’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, who noted that the observance will begin on Tuesday, July 15, 2025.
Abdullahi explained that during the mourning period, all political engagements and public communications by the party will be put on hold in respect of Buhari’s passing.
“In solemn tribute to President Muhammadu Buhari’s service to the country—as a citizen, soldier, former military ruler, and democratically elected leader—the ADC has resolved to suspend all political activities for three days,” Abdullahi said.
The party paid tribute to Buhari’s reputation for personal discipline, modesty, and unwavering dedication to the nation, stating that despite ideological differences, his service to Nigeria remains noteworthy.
“No matter one’s political standpoint, it is impossible to ignore the fact that President Buhari brought to public office a strong sense of duty and moral restraint,” Abdullahi added.
He further stated that Buhari’s leadership style, driven by example, earned him the admiration of millions, particularly among the lower classes, who supported him with remarkable loyalty throughout his political career and beyond.
Nevertheless, the ADC sharply criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC)—the party on whose platform Buhari was elected—and the current administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It accused them of exploiting Buhari’s death for political advantage, despite having consistently undermined his legacy.
The ADC is one of the opposition parties in a growing coalition aiming to unseat President Tinubu in the 2027 general elections. This coalition includes key political figures such as Peter Obi of the Labour Party, Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), former Governor Nasir El-Rufai who recently dumped the APC, and ex-Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi, among others.
According to the ADC’s statement, “It is disheartening that those who spent the past two years erasing Buhari’s achievements and laying the blame for their failures on his doorstep are now the loudest voices mourning his demise.”
The party described such actions as hypocritical and warned Buhari’s supporters to guard against being manipulated by those trying to gain from the tragedy.
It also encouraged Nigerians to reflect on the late president’s core values—honesty, humility, and an unflinching commitment to public duty—and to ensure that such standards are continually demanded from those in leadership positions.
“Let the memory of Buhari serve as a moral compass, guiding our expectations from future leaders,” Abdullahi urged.
Buhari, who ruled Nigeria as a military head of state between 1983 and 1985, and later as an elected president from 2015 to 2023, died in London on Sunday after battling Leukemia. He was 82 years old.
Since the announcement of his death, condolences have continued to pour in from Nigerian leaders and the international community alike.
For more updates, join our WhatsApp channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VabITrvEAKW7DSkTfP0J
© Chronicles Reporters