The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has explained his absence from the funeral of former President Muhammadu Buhari, citing unavoidable logistical challenges.
In a statement shared on his official Facebook page on Wednesday, Mr. Obi alao said he had made every effort to attend the burial in Daura, Katsina State, but was unable to make the trip due to “unforeseen circumstances”.
Obi further said that he had sent a message to a member of Buhari’s family explaining his situation and received a gracious response.
He promised to visit Daura on Wednesday, which he fulfilled, accompanied by Senators Ireti Kingibe and Okey Ezea, as well as the national coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Tanko Yunusa.
Obi paid his last respects to the late president, joining Vice President Kashim Shettima, Governors Dikko Radda of Katsina State and Babagana Zulum of Borno State, and other dignitaries at the Fidau prayer held in Daura.
He recalled a brief moment during the 2022 campaign season when he met with President Buhari, who advised him to take care of the poor if he won the election.
Obi paid tribute to Buhari’s legacy, saying “May the Almighty God. grant them peace and comfort their families and indeed our dear nation.
”May their legacies of service and dignity never be forgotten.”
He also expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to pay his respects to the late president.
The funeral of former President Buhari was attended by several high-profile figures, including President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Buhari was laid to rest in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, on Tuesday, July 15, 2025.
