Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, quietly travelled to Daura, Katsina State, to condole with the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Obi was seen at Buhari’s residence on Wednesday, a day after the former president was buried. The visit, which had no formal press briefing, was simply to pay his last respects and sign the condolence register.
His appearance in Daura came amid growing public curiosity about his earlier absence during the funeral ceremonies held on Tuesday.
Late Arrival Draws Attention
Many had noted Obi’s silence and absence on the day Nigeria bid farewell to one of its most prominent leaders. Buhari, who ruled Nigeria as both a military and democratic president, was buried at 5:50pm on Tuesday in Daura.
His final rites followed Islamic tradition and included a prayer led by Sheikh Salisu Rabiu, the Imam of the Central Mosque. Army generals and service chiefs gave him full military honours, including a 21-gun salute.
Reno Omokri Slams Obi’s Absence
Controversy followed when Reno Omokri, a vocal political commentator and former presidential aide, condemned Peter Obi for failing to attend Buhari’s burial.
“President Bola Tinubu was in Daura from beginning to end, showing his personal devotion to General Muhammadu Buhari and his commitment to the North. Arewa, remember who was not there!,” Omokri wrote.
Omokri’s comments ignited further discussions online, with many questioning why a man seeking national leadership would ignore a major national event.
Obi’s Visit to Daura Raises Eyebrows
By the time Peter Obi made the quiet trip to Daura, the burial had already ended, and the country had moved on to mourning and reflection.
His supporters argue that the timing doesn’t matter, and what matters is that he went to honour Buhari in his own way.
Obi was seen signing the condolence register, standing quietly with some family members of the late president.
Bottom Line
Whether Peter Obi’s trip to Daura was a genuine show of respect or just a late move to calm political tension, Nigerians have already started drawing their own conclusions. Some say it was thoughtful; others feel he should have shown up when it mattered most.
Either way, the conversation around his timing won’t end anytime soon—especially with voices like Reno Omokri stirring the pot. For a man who wants to lead a diverse country like Nigeria, every move counts, even the quiet ones.
