- Party Shuts Secretariat
Abuja, April 11, 2025 — The All Progressives Congress (APC) has shut down operations at its national secretariat in Abuja following the confirmed death of its Director of Administration, Hon. Lateef AbdulRaif Adekunle Adeniji, who was abducted nearly two months ago in Kubwa, a suburb of the Federal Capital Territory.
In an internal memo dated Thursday, April 10, and signed by Deputy Director of Administration, Ubagba Abel, the party announced the closure of its secretariat located at 40 Blantyre Street, Wuse 2, until Monday, April 14. The memo urged staff to observe the period as one of mourning and reflection.
“This decision was made after the National Secretary received the news of the sad demise of the Director of Administration, Late Hon. AbdulRaif Adekunle Adeniji,” the memo stated.
Ransom Paid, Life Lost
Adeniji’s abduction had sparked nationwide concern, with the APC reportedly paying a ransom of ₦50 million in an effort to secure his release. However, hopes were dashed when his body was discovered earlier this week under unclear circumstances.
Party sources described his killing as a major blow to the APC and an indictment of Nigeria’s worsening security situation.
“We did everything humanly possible, and yet this is the outcome,” a senior APC official said anonymously. “This is a moment of mourning and national introspection.”
Political Fallout and Rising Insecurity
The incident has sent shockwaves through the party hierarchy, coming at a time when the APC is focused on internal restructuring and preparations for upcoming elections.
Adeniji’s murder is the latest in a string of high-profile kidnappings that have rocked the Federal Capital Territory and its environs in recent months, raising fresh concerns over the state of security in Nigeria’s seat of power.
Although security agencies have yet to release an official statement, the development has ignited fresh criticism of the government’s response to insecurity, particularly in the capital.
“This is heartbreaking. A good man lost to a system that is fast losing grip on basic security,” a youth leader of the APC wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Calls for Justice
While the APC has yet to issue a formal public statement beyond the internal memo, members and supporters have taken to social media to express grief and demand a thorough investigation into the killing.
Political analysts warn that beyond the emotional toll, the incident could further erode public confidence in the government’s ability to protect its citizens.
As of press time, no arrests have been made and no suspects identified in connection with the case. Security agencies are yet to confirm whether any investigations have commenced.
