Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has broken his silence on his absence from the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari held on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State.
Speaking during a condolence visit to the Buhari family on Wednesday, Obi attributed his delay to logistical challenges, saying:
“It was difficult for me to get to Daura yesterday because there were no flights. Even if there was a flight, you couldn’t land at Katsina Airport. It was all closed because of the number of dignitaries attending the burial. Anyone who comes today or tomorrow is still part of the mourning.”
Obi maintained that paying his respects, even after the burial rites, holds significance within cultural traditions and mourning protocols.
Despite the explanation, his absence sparked criticism from political opponents. Reno Omokri, a former Presidential aide to Goodluck Jonathan, labeled Wednesday’s visit as “medicine after death” and accused Obi of only coming to Daura after being criticized on social media—arguing that the absence sent a negative signal to the North.
Adding to the pressure, a youth leader known as “Sarki” cautioned that Obi’s absence might harm his reception among northern voters ahead of the 2027 elections.
Obi remained respectful in his remarks, reflecting on political decorum:
“Mourning continues until tomorrow. So whoever comes today or tomorrow is still part of the mourning.”
