The All Progressives Congress (APC) has closed its national secretariat in Abuja for three days as a mark of respect for the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday in London following a prolonged illness.
In a statement issued on Monday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, announced that the closure would take effect from July 14 and last until Thursday, July 17.
“This is a period of national mourning,” Morka said. “In honour of our late leader, the Acting National Chairman of the APC, Hon. Bukar Dalori, has directed the shutdown of the National Secretariat until Thursday.”
President Muhammadu Buhari, who served Nigeria both as a military head of state (1984–1985) and later as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023, died in London at about 4:30 p.m. on Sunday. His death was confirmed by the presidency through Special Adviser on Information, Bayo Onanuga, and former presidential spokesperson Garba Shehu.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered that flags across the country be flown at half-mast in memory of the late president. He also instructed Vice President Kashim Shettima and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila to travel to the United Kingdom to accompany Buhari’s remains back to Nigeria for burial.
Describing the late president as a towering figure in Nigeria’s democratic journey, Morka urged party members and Nigerians at large to use the mourning period for sober reflection and prayer.
“The loss of President Buhari is deeply felt, not just within our party, but across the entire country. We ask our members and supporters to honour his legacy with solemn reflection and prayers for the peaceful repose of his soul,” Morka added.
The APC also commended Buhari’s contributions to Nigeria’s political stability and development, noting his firm stance on national unity, anti-corruption, and integrity.
The secretariat is expected to reopen on Thursday, after the official mourning period set by the party.