Former Labour Party presidential candidate and ex-governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, has publicly addressed the controversy surrounding his absence from the burial of Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari.
Speaking in a live interview with Arise Television on Wednesday, Obi clarified that his absence was neither intentional nor politically motivated. He revealed that logistical challenges prevented him from attending the burial, which took place on Tuesday, July 14, in Daura, Katsina State.
“It was difficult to come yesterday because there was no flight,” Obi explained during the interview, conducted from Daura where he had just paid a condolence visit to the Buhari family.
“Even if there was a flight, you couldn’t land in Katsina Airport. It was all closed due to the high number of dignitaries,” he added.
Obi’s absence had triggered criticism in some political circles, especially given his national prominence and previous interactions with the late former president during the 2023 elections. But the former governor insisted that mourning a national leader like Buhari transcends physical presence at the burial.
“Mourning continues until tomorrow. So, whoever comes today or tomorrow is still within the proper time to pay their respects,” he stated.
Obi’s Visit to Daura
Despite the initial setback, Obi made his way to Daura, the late president’s hometown, to personally offer condolences to the bereaved family. His visit came amid an ongoing wave of tributes and memorials across Nigeria in honor of Buhari, who passed away in a London hospital on July 13, 2025.
Obi’s presence in Daura albeit belated signals a continued respect for national institutions and Nigeria’s democratic legacy, which Buhari played a key role in shaping. From his military rule in the 1980s to being democratically elected in 2015, Buhari’s place in history remains significant.
Context: National Reactions and Mourning
The former president’s burial drew an enormous crowd of political elites, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and foreign dignitaries. It’s no surprise then that airports and travel routes were heavily restricted, making travel for some nearly impossible; Obi being one of them.
However, Obi’s decision to still show up albeit a day later has been praised by his supporters as a mark of humility and political maturity.
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