The All Progressives Congress (APC) has reopened its national secretariat in Abuja following a five-day closure in honour of its late Director of Administration, Lateef Adeniji, who was recently killed by kidnappers.
The secretariat, located in the Wuse District of the Federal Capital Territory and popularly known as “Buhari House,” resumed activities on Monday. Staff were seen returning to work and attending to official duties, while others gathered to sign a condolence register placed at the entrance of the building beside a framed photograph of the late party chieftain.
The decision to close the secretariat was announced in a memo dated 10 April and signed by Deputy Director of Administration, Ubagba Abel. It stated that all activities at the secretariat would be suspended until Monday, 14 April 2025, in honour of the deceased.
A Tragic Loss
Mr. Adeniji, aged 66, was abducted from his residence in Kubwa, Bwari Area Council of Abuja, on 26 January. He was later killed by his captors, though news of his death only became public on 7 April, when a relative who survived the incident disclosed the tragedy.
Born on 20 September 1959, Adeniji hailed from Ife Central Local Government Area in Osun State. He was a practicing Muslim, known for his humility, dedication, and strong grassroots connections.
Before joining the APC national secretariat, he served as an assistant registrar at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, and later as Chairman of Ife Central Local Government Area under the APC platform.
Tributes Pour In
Tributes from party members and mourners described Mr. Adeniji as a humble and dedicated leader.
“So brief, yet your impact has been as though you’ve spent years with me. I bid you farewell, my Director. Rest in peace,” one mourner wrote.
“May his soul rest in peace. He was a good man and a committed Muslim who saw everyone as his brother and sister. I believe Allah will admit him into paradise,” another condolence entry read.
APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, also paid tribute, calling Adeniji a “relentless supporter of the party” and a “grassroots politician.”
“Dr. Adeniji was a tireless mobilizer and campaigner for the Alliance for Democracy (AD) and the APC. He played a vital role in our electoral victories in Osun State and beyond,” Morka said. “He will be remembered for his personable qualities, optimistic outlook, and pragmatic approach to work.”
