Peter Obi Under Fire for Absence at Buhari’s Burial

Former presidential aide Reno Omokri and Northern youth influencer Sarki have criticized Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi for not attending the funeral of former President Muhammadu Buhari, held Tuesday in Daura, Katsina State.

The burial was attended by a number of high-profile dignitaries, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar and Yemi Osinbajo, and other key political figures. However, Peter Obi was notably absent from the proceedings.

Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Reno Omokri condemned Obi’s absence, describing it as a reflection of the Labour Party leader’s perceived lack of commitment to national unity and his strained relationship with Northern Nigeria.

“President Bola Ahmed 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.

He further recalled past statements allegedly made by Obi that he deemed controversial, including remarks about former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon and IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu.

“In 2027, Nigeria needs a truly Nigerian president in Aso Rock—not a pretender whose true allegiance lies elsewhere,” Omokri added.

Sarki, another prominent Northern voice on X, echoed similar sentiments, warning that Obi’s absence could have political consequences in the North ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“Peter Obi didn’t attend President Muhammadu Buhari’s burial. This is the same man who expects northerners to hand over Nigeria to him,” Sarki stated. “Let’s see how he plans to become president without our votes.”

Both Omokri and Sarki have been long-standing critics of Obi, particularly since his emergence as a strong third-force candidate in the 2023 presidential election, where he garnered substantial youth and urban support.

Meanwhile, civil rights lawyer Maduabuchi Idam raised a different concern, questioning President Tinubu’s decision to declare a public holiday in Buhari’s honor, suggesting that such gestures should be evaluated more critically.

As of now, Peter Obi has not responded to the criticisms regarding his absence at the funeral.