The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has revealed that he made efforts to attend the burial of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, but was unable to do so due to unforeseen logistical challenges beyond his control.
The New Daily Prime reported that Buhari died on Sunday in London and was laid to rest on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State.
In a statement posted on his X page on Wednesday following a condolence visit to the Buhari family, the former Anambra State governor explained that after he realised he could not be present at the burial, he sent a message to a member of the late president’s family to express his regrets.
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Obi, 63, added that the family member kindly acknowledged his message and assured him that his absence was understood.
He further stated that he had promised to pay a condolence visit to the family on Wednesday.
“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 Godswill Akpabio, Governor Radda of Katsina, Governor Zulum of Borno State, and many other dignitaries, to pay our last respects to the late President Muhammadu Buhari and to console his family”, he said.
He also recounted what former Buhari said to him during his visit to the late president in 2022.
“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.’
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“That moment has been the thought I have had since the news of his demise. His concern for the poor should remain a reminder to us all.
“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, as their passing is a deep loss to Nigeria. May their legacies of service and dignity never be forgotten.”
