The 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has explained his absence from the funeral of former President Muhammadu Buhari, attributing it to unavoidable logistical challenges.
In a statement shared on his official Facebook page on Wednesday, Obi said he had made every effort to attend the burial in Daura, Katsina State, but was unable to make the trip 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.
“I immediately sent a message to a member of late President Buhari’s family explaining my situation. He graciously replied that it was quite understandable, and I made a promise to come today,” the 63-year-old politician stated.
Critics had faulted Obi’s absence at the burial held in Daura, Katsina, on Tuesday.
However, the former Anambra governor said that he fulfilled his promise by visiting Daura on Wednesday, accompanied by Senators Ireti Kingibe and Okey Ezea, as well as the national coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Tanko Yunusa.
“Today, accompanied by Senators Ireti Kingibe, Okey Ezea, and Obidient National Coordinator Dr Tanko Yunusa, I was in Daura with Vice President Shettima, former Vice President Atiku, Senate President Akpabio, Governor Radda of Katsina, Governor Zulum of Borno State, and many other dignitaries to pay our last respects and console the family,” he said.
The former Anambra governor recalled a brief moment during the 2022 campaign season.
“I recall 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.
“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 added.
Obi had joined Vice President Kashim Shettima, Governors Dikko Radda of Katsina State and Babagana Zulum of Borno State at the Fidau prayer held in Daura in honour of the former President Buhari.
The Islamic prayer also drew several other high-profile mourners, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
Buhari was laid to rest on Tuesday, July 15, in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State.
The funeral was attended by President Bola Tinubu, Shettima, Atiku, Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and many other dignitaries.
