In a blistering rejoinder to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday denounced the opposition’s critique of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s state burial as “insensitive” and “unacceptable.”
The ADC had alleged that President Bola Tinubu’s administration was “exploiting” the late leader’s death for political gain, branding official gestures of condolence an orchestrated PR stunt.
The APC retorted that it was, in fact, the ADC “dancing on his grave” in a desperate bid for relevance.
A Solemn Rite Meets Political Firestorm
Buhari’s state burial in Daura, Katsina State on 15 July 2025 drew mourning crowds and dignitaries from across Africa, including former Nigerien President Mahamadou Issoufou and former Vice‑President Atiku Abubakar, as well as business magnates like Aliko Dangote.
The ceremony—preceded by a farewell parade and a prayer led by the Chief Imam of Daura, Sheikh Salisu Rabiu—was designed to honour Buhari’s legacy as both soldier and two‑term democratically elected president.
Yet, within hours of the funeral rites, the ADC’s statement ignited a bitter exchange.
Comparative Cost and Scale: Mandela vs. Nigerian State Funerals
By way of historical comparison, the state funeral of Nelson Mandela in 2013 saw over 100,000 mourners pay respects at Pretoria’s Union Buildings over a week of memorials.
While exact figures differ, international observers estimated that Mandela’s farewell cost upwards of several million dollars, reflecting a global spotlight on a statesman of Mandela’s stature.
Nigeria’s own state funerals—such as that of former President Shehu Shagari in December 2018—were conducted with far more modest budgets and largely state‑funded honours, despite the incumbent Buhari administration’s decision not to attend or fund Shagari’s burial.
This juxtaposition underscores the ADC’s flawed premise of “exploitation”: state funerals traditionally honour service, not serve as political theatre.
Quotations Expose the Chasm
Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, labelled the ADC’s outburst “a laughable tantrum by a poorly amalgamated political contraption,” asserting:
“Let it be said clearly: the ADC is the one exploiting Buhari’s death for political attention, not this government. They have chosen to dance on his grave for relevance”.
Conversely, the ADC’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, contended:
“Grief is not a campaign strategy,” accusing Tinubu of a U‑turn from blaming Buhari for economic woes to orchestrating a “calculated PR stunt” aimed at appeasing Northern constituencies.
The Stakes: Tradition, Empathy and Political Credibility
Analysts note that state burials in Nigeria are governed by longstanding custom, with allowances made for national mourning and paying homage to past leaders.
By disparaging these rites, the ADC risks alienating grassroots supporters who view such ceremonies as sacrosanct.
According to a recent opinion poll, 68% of Nigerians approved of Tinubu’s attendance at memorial events, perceiving it as an act of solidarity rather than politicking.
Beyond the Quarrel
At its core, the APC–ADC spat over Buhari’s burial highlights a wider struggle for moral authority in Nigerian politics.
While the ADC’s criticism may resonate with sceptics of Tinubu’s administration, the weight of customary practice, public sentiment and comparative precedent suggests that state funerals remain civic rituals above partisan fray.
Whether this episode will dent the ADC’s credibility or harden APC support remains to be seen—but for now, the nation’s collective grief takes centre stage, transcending the “quicksand of ignominy” into which both parties risk sinking.
