Peter Obi gives reason for absence at Buhari’s burial

2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has explained his absence at the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, attributing it to logistical constraints beyond his control.

In a statement posted on his official Facebook page on Wednesday, Obi said he had intended to travel to Daura, Katsina State, on Tuesday to attend the funeral rites of the late President but was unable to do so due to unforeseen circumstances.

“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 a logistical challenge beyond my control,” Obi wrote.

The former Anambra State governor noted that he immediately informed a member of the Buhari family about his inability to attend the burial. “He graciously replied that it was quite understandable, and I made a promise to come today,” Obi added.

His absence from the state funeral had drawn criticism from some quarters. However, Obi stated that he fulfilled his promise by visiting Daura on Wednesday, where he joined Vice President Kashim Shettima, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State, and Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State at the Fidau prayer held in honour of the late President.

Obi was accompanied by Senator Ireti Kingibe, Senator Okey Ezea, and the national coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr. Tanko Yunusa.

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Reflecting on a personal encounter with Buhari during the 2022 presidential campaign season, Obi recalled: “I remember vividly meeting with President Buhari in 2022 during my campaign. 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 moment has stayed with me, especially since his demise.”

Obi concluded his statement by offering prayers for both the late President and the recently deceased Awujale of Ijebuland.

“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. May their legacies of service and dignity never be forgotten,” he said.

Former President Muhammadu Buhari passed away on Sunday, 13 July 2025, at the age of 82 in a London hospital. His body arrived at Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport in Katsina, where it was received by a state delegation. He was laid to rest in his hometown of Daura on Tuesday, 15 July, at 5:50 p.m., in a solemn ceremony attended by President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Shettima, former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar and Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Akpabio, and other high-ranking officials.

Buhari remains one of Nigeria’s most prominent political figures, having served as military head of state from 1984 to 1985 and as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023, making him the country’s second-longest-serving leader.

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