Peter Obi Visits Buhari’s Family, Explains Absence at Former President’s Burial

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections and former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has explained his absence at the burial ceremony of former President Muhammadu Buhari, which held in Daura, Katsina State on Tuesday.

Obi, who arrived in Daura on Wednesday to personally condole with Buhari’s family, stated that his absence the previous day was due to logistics challenges beyond his control. He explained that the Katsina Airport was temporarily closed due to the influx of dignitaries and security arrangements for the high-profile funeral.

“It was difficult to come yesterday. There was no flight, and even if there was, you couldn’t land because the airport was shut due to the crowd of people and aircraft,” Obi told journalists during his visit.

He emphasized that mourning is not limited to a particular time and that his visit, although a day later, was in the spirit of respect and national unity.

“It is believed that mourning continues today and tomorrow. Whoever comes today or tomorrow is still part of the mourning,” Obi said.

During his condolence visit, Obi participated in the fidau prayers and paid tribute at the gravesite of the late President. He also recalled a personal encounter with Buhari prior to the 2023 election campaign, where Buhari encouraged him to always consider the needs of Nigeria’s poor in his political pursuits.

Obi described the late President as “a man who cared deeply about the country’s less privileged and the future of the nation.”

While offering his condolences, Obi advised against politicizing a period of national grief. “Mourning shouldn’t be turned into a political contest. This is a moment for reflection, not division,” he noted, addressing criticism from certain political commentators over his delayed presence.

Some critics, including former presidential aide Reno Omokri, had earlier described Obi’s absence as “medicine after death,” claiming it could affect his political standing in the North. However, Buhari’s family and many in Daura welcomed Obi’s visit, acknowledging his gesture as sincere and dignified.

Obi’s visit adds to the list of political figures who have paid homage to the late President, who died on Saturday, July 13, and was buried the following Tuesday in accordance with Islamic rites.