The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially announced a total shutdown of its National Secretariat located in Abuja for a period of three days to pay deep respect and tribute to the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025.
This significant decision was communicated through a formal statement released on Monday, July 14, by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka. The statement detailed the party’s mourning arrangements and expressed profound sorrow over the loss of one of its most prominent leaders and founding figures.
According to the announcement, the APC National Secretariat will remain completely closed starting from Monday, July 14, and is scheduled to reopen on Thursday, July 17, 2025. This temporary closure is aimed at giving party officials, members, and staff the opportunity to observe a period of solemn reflection and mourning.
“The All Progressives Congress (APC) announces the closure of its National Secretariat in Abuja in honour of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR,” the statement read. “As directed by the Acting National Chairman of our great Party, Hon. Bukar Dalori, the Party’s National Secretariat will be closed starting today, Monday, July 14, and will reopen on Thursday, July 17, 2025.”
The party leadership also urged all its members, supporters, and indeed the general public to join in observing the national mourning period with deep contemplation, prayers, and respect for the soul of the late statesman. The APC highlighted Buhari’s unwavering dedication to Nigeria’s unity, integrity, and development during his time in office.
The announcement came shortly after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu officially confirmed Buhari’s death through his Special Adviser on Information, Bayo Onanuga, as well as Buhari’s former spokesperson, Garba Shehu. According to reports, the former president died at around 4:30 p.m. in London, where he had been receiving medical treatment for an undisclosed illness.
Buhari served as Nigeria’s democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023 and had previously ruled as military head of state between January 1984 and August 1985. His passing marks the end of an era and has evoked widespread reactions both within Nigeria and across the international community.
In a swift response to this national tragedy, President Tinubu ordered Vice President Kashim Shettima and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila to immediately travel to the United Kingdom to retrieve Buhari’s remains and oversee the arrangements for his return and burial in Nigeria.
As part of the national mourning directives, Tinubu also ordered that all national flags throughout the country be flown at half-staff for seven days to honour the late leader’s service and commitment to the nation.
Further details on the funeral arrangements and planned national tributes are expected to be announced by the presidency and APC leadership in the coming days as Nigerians continue to mourn the loss of a pivotal figure in the country's political history.