The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi, has explained why he was absent at the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Buhari, who passed away recently, was buried on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State. Several top political figures attended the ceremony, but Obi was noticeably absent, drawing public criticism.
Speaking in an interview with Arise TV, Obi clarified that he was unable to attend the burial due to flight issues.
“It was difficult to come yesterday (Tuesday) because there was no flight,” Obi said. “Even if there was a flight, you couldn’t land in Katsina Airport. It was all closed, because there was a lot of dignitaries.”
Despite missing the main event, Obi visited Daura the following day, Wednesday, where he personally commiserated with Buhari’s family.
“Mourning continues until tomorrow,” he said. “So, whoever comes today and tomorrow is still part of the mourning.”
Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, emphasized the importance of paying his respects, even if a day late. His visit has been seen by some as a way to calm criticism over his absence from the official burial.
Buhari served as Nigeria’s president from 2015 to 2023. He was laid to rest according to Islamic rites in his hometown.