The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly criticized the manner in which the burial ceremony of former President Muhammadu Buhari was handled, calling it a missed opportunity for national unity and reflection. In a statement released on Friday, the party expressed disappointment over what it described as a “hurried and uncoordinated” farewell for a man who led Nigeria through some of its most challenging times.
A Solemn Occasion Mishandled
According to the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, the burial arrangements did not reflect the dignity and national recognition deserved by a former head of state. “What should have been a unifying event turned into a rushed and poorly coordinated ceremony,” the statement read. “The nation needed time to honor, reflect, and heal, but what we witnessed was far from that.”
The party argued that Buhari’s burial lacked the grandeur, respect, and inclusive planning that such a state event demands. “Millions of Nigerians who admired or disagreed with the late president deserved a moment to say goodbye, not just through television clips or social media images.”
Political Undercurrents?
The ADC hinted that political undertones might have influenced the simplicity of the ceremony. “The hurried nature of the funeral raises questions,” the statement said. “It is unfortunate if the final rites of a former leader become entangled in political considerations.”
Observers across the country noted that while some high-ranking officials attended the burial, there was no massive state mobilization as seen in previous ceremonies for past Nigerian leaders. Some even described the ceremony as “too quiet for a man of such national stature.”
A Call for Change
The ADC emphasized that Nigeria must rethink how it honors its past leaders, regardless of political affiliations. “A nation that fails to remember its past with dignity risks repeating its mistakes,” the party concluded.
Public Reaction
The ADC’s stance has sparked mixed reactions online. While some agree that Buhari deserved a more elaborate farewell, others argued that his legacy remains too controversial for such honor. Still, the debate has reignited discussions about how Nigeria treats its former leaders in death.
As the country moves forward, the ADC’s critique serves as a reminder that unity, decorum, and reflection are essential in moments of national loss—especially for figures who once held the highest office in the land.
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