- Safiu Kehinde
The All Progressive Congress (APC) has shut its National Secretariat following the reported murder of the party’s Director of Administration, Abdulraif Adeniji, by suspected kidnappers.
NPO Reports gathered that the former Osun state council chairman was abducted last month.
His murder was disclosed in an internal memo issued on Thursday by the APC’s Deputy Director of Administration, Ubagha Abel.
However, the abductors of the late APC Director were reportedly still negotiating for ransom despite his murder.
In commemoration of the deceased, the APC announced the announced the suspension of all activities till Monday 14th of April.
It urged the Secretariat staff to use the mourning period for sober reflection and prayers for the late Abdulraif’s family and loved ones.
“The National Secretary has approved the closure of the National Secretariat from all Party/work activities with immediate effect till Monday 14th of April 2025.
“This decision was made after he had received the news of the sad demise of the Director of Administration Late Hon. AbdulRaif Adekunle Adeniji. PhD.
“You are advised to use this mourning period for sober reflection and prayers for the family and loved ones.
“May the soul of our beloved Director rest in peace. Amen.” The memo read.
The APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, further confirmed the closure of the party’s National Headquarters in honour of the late Adeniji.
As contained in the statement, the former Ife Central Local Government Area Chairman was described as a tireless mobilizer and campaigner as well as an important contributor to the APC’s electoral successes in Osun state and national levels.
The statement read in part; “The All Progressives Congress (APC) mourns the tragic death of the Director of Administration of its National Secretariat, Hon. Raif Adekunle Adeniji, PhD.
“The late Adeniji, who hailed from Ife Central Local Government Area of Osun state, was born on 20th September, 1959. He was a devout Muslim and was married with children.
“Adeniji, was a former Assistant Registrar at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), IleIfe, and was later elected as Chairman of Ife Local Government Council on the platform of APC.
“With a Ph.D in Public Administration, a deep understanding of the complexities of public administration, proven leadership abilities, and unwavering commitment to public service, Adeniji was appointed as Director of Administration of the Party’s National Secretariat overseeing the day-to-day administration of Africa’s largest Party.
“A grassroots politician, the late Adeniji was a tireless mobilizer and campaigner for Alliance for Democracy (AD) and for APC and was an important contributor to our electoral successes in Osun state and national levels.
“Dr. Adeniji will be remembered for his personable qualities, optimistic outlook and pragmatic attitude to work.
“In honour of the late Director of Administration, the Party’s National Secretariat has been closed until Monday, 14th of April, 2025. A condolence register will be open at the National Secretariat in his honor.
“We extend our deepest condolences to his immediate family, the Party’s National Secretariat staff, the good people of Osun state, and the entire APC family, over this devastating loss.
“We pray Almighty Allah to grant the late Adeniji Jannatul Firdaus.”