The ADC had earlier alleged that the Tinubu administration was using Buhari’s passing for political advantage, a claim the Presidency has now rejected.

The Bola Tinubu Presidency has lashed out at the African Democratic Congress (ADC), accusing the opposition party of exploiting the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari to score cheap political points and remain relevant in the national discourse.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, described the ADC’s recent comments on Buhari’s state burial as “obnoxious,” “laughable,” and an “insult to millions of mourning Nigerians.”

The ADC had earlier alleged that the Tinubu administration was using Buhari’s passing for political advantage, a claim the Presidency has now rejected.

“This is not the first time the ADC, in its pitiful, stuttering attempts at reinvention, has embarrassed itself with hollow, attention-seeking criticisms and press releases,” Dare said in the statement.

“A party still grappling with an identity crisis presumes to lecture the President of the Federal Republic on governance, decorum, and public accountability. How utterly ridiculous.”

Dare turned the accusations back on the ADC, stating that it is the opposition party, not the Tinubu administration, that is exploiting Buhari’s death.

“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,” he said.

He cited what he described as the “choreographed arrival” of opposition figures like Atiku Abubakar and Nasir El-Rufai in Daura during the burial rites, claiming it was aimed at extracting political capital from a solemn national moment.

Describing the ADC as a “poorly amalgamated political contraption desperately clutching at straws,” Dare insisted that President Tinubu’s government is focused on performance and delivering on its Renewed Hope Agenda rather than engaging in political showmanship.

“While the ADC howls, this government’s growing list of achievements speaks louder than the noisy irrelevance of groups like the ADC,” he said.

Dare went on to list what he described as tangible milestones under the Tinubu administration, including: Stabilisation of the Naira and harmonisation of exchange rates; Increase in oil production to 1.7 million barrels per day; over 60% increase in FAAC allocations, enabling 31 states to clear debts and pay salaries and pensions; 

Infrastructure delivery including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Ogbia-Nembe Road, and Sokoto-Badagry Road; Restoration of electricity to long-neglected communities; 

 Implementation of the NELFUND student loan scheme benefitting 400,000 students; Launch of Regional Development Commissions and a National Consumer Credit Scheme. 

Dare also noted that Buhari’s state burial was conducted with “complete honour befitting a leader of his stature,” citing attendance by world leaders and widespread national viewership as evidence of its dignified handling.

He urged Nigerians to ignore the “desperate antics of political scavengers” and focus on the government’s developmental strides.

“The Tinubu administration will not dignify the desperate noise from political actors gasping for attention. Our focus remains firmly on delivering Renewed Hope to Nigerians,” Dare stated.