HeadlineNews.News Special Report.
“Akpabio’s Slip of the Tongue: A Presidential Gaffe at Buhari’s Valedictory Leaves Nigerians Stunned”
By HeadlineNews Political Desk | July 24, 2025
In an unexpected moment during the solemn Valedictory Session in honour of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, Senate President Godswill Akpabio made a stunning verbal slip that left many in shock: he mistakenly announced the burial of “President Tinubu” instead of “President Buhari.” The chamber, filled with grief and high-ranking dignitaries, fell briefly into stunned silence before the session moved forward.
Though corrected, the gaffe has quickly gone viral across social media platforms, fueling reactions ranging from stunned confusion to dark humour, and prompting prayers for the sitting President’s health and longevity.
The Moment and the Fallout
The Valedictory Session, held at the National Assembly complex, was meant to be a dignified tribute to Nigeria’s former Head of State, who passed away in London after a brief illness. Senate President Akpabio, while addressing his colleagues, made the grave error:
“…as we gather today to reflect on the life and service of our late leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu… I mean, President Muhammadu Buhari…”
A momentary pause followed as aides and senators murmured in disbelief. The correction came swiftly, but the damage was done — and the internet wasted no time in amplifying the misstep.
A Costly Mistake: Why It Matters
In most political cultures, referencing the current president in the context of death or burial is more than just a mistake — it carries symbolic weight and emotional implications, especially in deeply religious societies like Nigeria.
Video: “Nigerians were pleased with the way President Bola ahmed Tinubu was buried.” — Akpabio
Many Nigerians responded with prayers:
“May God protect PBAT. May he live long to fulfill his mandate,” wrote one social media user.
“That’s a very bad mistake. Akpabio should be more careful. Some things are not funny,” said another.
The presidency has not issued an official statement, likely considering the moment an unfortunate lapse during an emotionally charged event. But the ripple effects linger.
Historical Context: Political Gaffes Aren’t New
Akpabio’s slip joins a long list of high-profile political gaffes worldwide — some humorous, others regrettable, but all instructive in the power of public speech:
Joe Biden (U.S.), 2022: Mistakenly asked if a deceased congresswoman was in the audience: “Jackie, are you here? Where’s Jackie?”
Jacob Zuma (South Africa): Once misread economic figures in parliament, claiming SA had “six percent of something percent” — a phrase mocked for years.
George W. Bush (U.S.): Infamously said, “Our enemies never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country — and neither do we.”
These moments remind us that even seasoned leaders are not immune to the hazards of live, unscripted speech — especially during emotionally intense situations like funerals and national memorials.
Why It Happened: The Pressure of Ceremony
Public speaking at high-stakes state events — especially funerals — is a minefield of stress, protocol, and emotion. Senate President Akpabio was addressing a nation in mourning, on live television, under intense pressure to deliver an eloquent farewell. That is precisely when such mental slips can occur.
“It’s not always a sign of disrespect or ignorance. Cognitive overload in public speaking causes word substitution errors — especially between closely associated names,”
— Dr. Tolu Ogunseye, Linguistics Professor, University of Lagos
With both Buhari and Tinubu having served as Presidents, and with Tinubu leading the funeral processions, the association may have inadvertently triggered the substitution.
Cultural Sensitivity and Political Symbolism
In Nigeria, naming the living among the dead is culturally sensitive. Among many ethnic groups, particularly the Yoruba and Hausa-Fulani, invoking someone in a death context—especially publicly—is considered ominous or taboo. That is why the slip drew not just ridicule but genuine spiritual concern.
“Nigerians are deeply spiritual. Even a joke about death can cause a storm. A slip like this can spark unintended fear, superstition, and political conspiracy theories,”
— Dr. G. Fraser, MFR, Political Historian, Governance Consultant, Perception Management Expert.
The Bigger Picture: When Gaffes Test Public Trust
This moment, while unfortunate, should not be inflated beyond its scope. But it underscores the importance of precision in political speech, especially in an era where every word is recorded, replayed, and reinterpreted online.
Senate President Akpabio, a lawyer, senator, and former governor, is no novice to the spotlight. However, this gaffe may serve as a turning point in how political figures prepare for public addresses — especially during state funerals and events of national significance.
Final Word: A Prayer, Not a Prediction
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is alive, leading, and was visibly active during all the proceedings surrounding President Buhari’s funeral. Akpabio’s error, while regrettable, was not prophetic — it was human. And in times like these, a reminder that even the powerful are prone to slips of the tongue, especially when grief and public expectation collide.
“May God grant President Tinubu a long, healthy life, and wisdom to lead us successfully.”
— HeadlineNews.News Editorial Team
Report by HeadlineNews.News Political Desk.
Facts matter. Context heals.
© HeadlineNews.News 2025
