APC Closes National Secretariat over Death of Kidnapped Director

APC Closes National Secretariat over Death of Kidnapped Director

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has shut its National Secretariat located at Blantyre Street, Abuja, following the tragic death of its  kidnapped Director of Administration, Raif Adekunle Adeniji, PhD.

The announcement was made via a statement signed on Thursday, by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Felix Morka.

According to Morka, the Secretariat will remain shut until  Monday, 14th of April, 2025.

NATIONAL PERICOPE learnt that Adeniji was reportedly kidnapped about two months ago in Abuja, few months after assumption of duty as a director.

Despite the payment of a N50 million ransom by the party for his release, he was gruesomely murdered by the captors.

Reacting to the development, Morka  extended condolences to the party and the people of Osun State where the late Adeniju hail from.

“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,’’ Morka said.

Born on September 20, 1959, in Ife Central Local Government Area of Osun State, Adeniji was a devout Muslim, a dedicated family man, and a respected figure in politics.

He previously served as an Assistant Registrar at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, before being elected as the Chairman of Ife Local Government Council under the APC banner.

With a Ph.D. in Public Administration, Adeniji possessed a profound understanding of public administration’s complexities, proven leadership skills, and an unwavering commitment to public service. His role as Director of Administration at the APC National Secretariat involved overseeing the day-to-day operations of Africa’s largest political party.

A grassroots politician, Adeniji was known for his tireless efforts in mobilizing support for the Alliance for Democracy (AD) and later for the APC, significantly contributing to the party’s electoral successes in Osun State and at the national level.

“Dr. Adeniji will be remembered for his personable qualities, optimistic outlook, and pragmatic attitude to work,” the party stated.