The Democracy Watch Initiative (DWI) has accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai of blatant political opportunism during the funeral rites of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The organisation said it was disheartening to see Atiku and El-Rufai, both of whom had opposed Buhari in various capacities over the years, attempt to rebrand themselves as allies of the late former president.

In a statement released on Thursday by its Director of Strategic Communication, Dr. Tunji O. Bamidele, the group described the duo’s conduct at the funeral in Daura as a “shameless and unseemly spectacle,” alleging that both men attempted to hijack the solemn occasion for their political gain.

Bamidele said, “Their actions, characterised by a shameless attempt to project themselves as genuine admirers and loyalists of a leader whose legacy they have historically opposed, are not only disingenuous but also an affront to the memory of President Buhari and the sentiments of the Nigerian people.

“As we gather to pay our respects to a leader who dedicated his life to the service of our nation, it is disheartening to witness two notorious political figures, Atiku Abubakar and Nasir El-Rufai, attempting to capitalise on the sorrowful occasion for their political gain.

“Their behaviour at the funeral in Daura was nothing short of an unseemly spectacle, as they paraded around as though they owned the event, seeking to associate themselves with Buhari’s immense popularity in a desperate bid to win favour with the northern electorate.

“Let us remind the public that Atiku Abubakar has been a major political adversary of Buhari since 2003, challenging him in several elections and consistently undermining his agenda.

“His political history is marked by opportunism; after splintering the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), he shifted allegiance to the All Progressives Congress (APC) only to abandon it once Buhari secured victory in the elections.

“Atiku’s return to the PDP was not born out of loyalty but rather a calculated move to further his ambitions, culminating in his recent challenge against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is widely regarded as Buhari’s preferred successor.

“It is painfully clear that Atiku’s current display of affection for Buhari is nothing more than a façade, a mere attempt to manipulate the sentiments of the northern populace in a time of mourning.”

Bamidele unequivocally stated that the northern voters are not as easily deceived as Atiku and El-Rufai might hope. “The memories of their past betrayals and political machinations remain fresh in the minds of the electorate, and they will not be swayed by hollow gestures during this time of grief.”

He urged the citizens of the North and indeed all Nigerians to remain vigilant and discerning in the face of such opportunism. “As we honour the legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, let us not allow his memory to be tarnished by those who seek to exploit it for their own gain,” he said.

Bamidele called on political actors to engage in genuine and respectful discourse, honouring the values that President Buhari stood for: integrity, service, and commitment to the Nigerian people.

He said, “We reject the attempts of Atiku Abubakar and Nasir El-Rufai to politicise the funeral of a beloved leader. We stand united in our belief that the politics of deception will not prevail, and we call upon the people of the North to remember the past and hold their leaders accountable.

“Let us honour President Buhari’s legacy by fostering a political environment rooted in sincerity and respect, free from the manipulative tactics of those who have historically sought to undermine it.”