Peter Obi Breaks Silence on Why He Missed Buhari’s Burial – Pays Emotional Tribute in Daura Visit

The tranquil town of Daura was a somber reflection of national grief yesterday as dignitaries from across the Nigerian political spectrum converged to pay their final respects to the late former President Muhammadu Buhari. Among them was Labour Party’s Peter Obi, who had missed the official burial day but made a solemn visit a day later, offering heartfelt condolences and recounting a memorable moment he shared with the late president.

Obi, the former Anambra State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate, took to social media to explain his absence at the burial ceremony. “Yesterday morning, after a condolence visit to the family of the late Awujale of Ijebuland in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, I tried to be in Daura, Katsina State to attend the burial of our late President Muhammadu Buhari, but all my efforts proved abortive, due to the logistical challenge beyond my control,” he stated in a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter).

His statement cleared the air as speculations swirled over his absence from a state function that drew nearly every major political figure in the country. Obi went on to emphasize that he did not take the situation lightly, revealing that he had immediately reached out to a member of Buhari’s family to inform them of the unforeseen circumstances. The response, he said, was gracious and understanding, prompting him to promise a personal visit the following day.

True to his word, Obi arrived in Daura accompanied by Senators Ireti Kingibe and Okey Ezea, along with the Obidient National Coordinator, Dr. Tanko Yunusa. There, he joined Vice President Kashim Shettima, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda, and Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, among many others. The gathering was a rare moment of unity in Nigeria’s typically fractious political climate, brought together by the death of a man who served the country through military and civilian rule.

While standing among Nigeria’s political elite in Daura, Obi took a moment to reflect on an encounter he had with Buhari during the heated 2022 presidential campaign season. “I recall vividly meeting with President Buhari in 2022 during my campaign,” Obi shared. “He said to me: ‘Peter, you seem to be everywhere and loved by the people. And I wish you the best, please, if you win, do not forget the poor.’”

That statement, delivered in Buhari’s trademark modest yet firm tone, has since become a mantra of reflection for Obi. “That moment has been the thought I have had since the news of his demise. His concern for the poor should remain a reminder to us all,” he wrote, highlighting a rarely seen emotional connection between two men who, while politically different, shared a concern for the downtrodden.

Obi's tribute went beyond politics. It painted a picture of a man deeply affected not just by Buhari’s passing, but also by the coincidental death of another Nigerian titan – the Awujale of Ijebuland. Both men, he noted, represented legacies of service and dignity that should never be forgotten.

“May the Almighty God, who has called both our late President and the Awujale of Ijebuland to eternal rest, grant them peace, and comfort their families and indeed our dear nation, as their passing is a deep loss to Nigeria,” Obi prayed in closing. “May their legacies of service and dignity never be forgotten.”

The visit was as much a political statement as it was a personal gesture. Peter Obi, often positioned as a reformist outsider, made it clear that in moments of national mourning, unity trumps division. His appearance in Daura—despite missing the burial—signaled respect not only for the former president but for the institution of leadership itself.

Observers at the event noted the solemn atmosphere and the dignified manner with which Obi carried himself. He neither sought the spotlight nor downplayed his absence the previous day. Instead, he allowed his message and his presence to speak volumes about duty, humility, and empathy—traits that have earned him loyal followers, especially among the youth.

The passing of President Muhammadu Buhari has left Nigeria in a reflective mood. Tributes have poured in from across the globe, praising his anti-corruption efforts, steadfast nationalism, and the enigmatic persona that kept allies and critics alike on their toes. While his presidency was not without controversy, Buhari's commitment to integrity and his spartan lifestyle earned him a place in Nigeria’s complex political history.

In the wake of his burial, discussions have already begun on how best to honor his legacy. Streets in Katsina may soon bear his name, and national monuments could be renamed in his memory. But for Peter Obi, and perhaps many others, the best way to honor Buhari is to heed his final words—never forget the poor.

As the nation continues to mourn, Peter Obi’s visit serves as a reminder of what truly matters in times of loss: presence, humility, and sincerity. His delayed but meaningful appearance in Daura wasn’t just about politics—it was about respect. And in a country often divided by lines of tribe, religion, and party, that kind of gesture matters more than most speeches made on the podium.

With the nation still reeling from the dual loss of a former president and a revered traditional monarch, Nigerians will be looking to their leaders for guidance, unity, and hope. And for now, a simple promise made and kept by Peter Obi stands out as a moment of grace in a season of mourning.