Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has explained the reason behind his absence at the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, attributing it to flight challenges and the closure of the Katsina airport.
Obi briefed journalists on Wednesday shortly after paying a condolence visit to the family of the late president in Daura, Katsina State.
Buhari, who died on Sunday in London, was buried at his Daura residence on Tuesday with full military honors.
He said, “No flight. They couldn’t land at Katsina’s airport. It was all closed because there were a lot of dignitaries, and it is believed that the mourning continues till tomorrow. So, whoever comes is still part of the mourning.”
Obi said his visit on Wednesday was still within the mourning window, adding that respect for the dead goes beyond the burial day.
“And it is believed that the mourning continues today and tomorrow. Whoever comes today or tomorrow is still part of the mourning,” he said.
Obi said his decision to travel to Daura despite the logistical hurdles was motivated by his respect for Buhari, who, he recalled, once urged him to prioritize the welfare of poor Nigerians.
“I had the opportunity of meeting him while I was campaigning, and I remember his words to this day: ‘Please care for the poor Nigerians’. That’s what I always remember,” he said.
“And I believe he did his best within his capacity. I remember vividly his sincere appeal for fighting and caring for the poor.”
Obi’s visit, however, drew criticism from former presidential aide Reno Omokri, who accused him of responding only after facing public backlash.
Omokri, in a statement on his verified Facebook page, described the visit as “medicine after death” and argued that the damage from Obi’s absence at the funeral had already been done.
“Going to Daura a day after Buhari’s burial because you were dragged on social media for your absence at the funeral is medicine after death! The message to Arewa has already been passed and understood!” Omokri wrote.
He had earlier criticized Obi for attending a political event in Ilorin on the day of Buhari’s burial, questioning the former Anambra State governor’s priorities.