Former presidential aide Reno Omokri and a prominent Northern youth leader known as Sarki have publicly criticised Labour Party chieftain Peter Obi for his absence at the state burial of late former President Muhammadu Buhari, held in Daura, Katsina State, on Tuesday.
Obi’s no-show at the solemn event sparked reactions across political circles, particularly from Omokri and Sarki, who took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to voice their disapproval.
The burial of the former president drew the presence of high-ranking dignitaries, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar and Yemi Osinbajo, as well as various state governors and national figures. Obi, however, was notably absent from the proceedings.
Reno Omokri, who served as a media aide to former President Goodluck Jonathan, questioned the former Anambra State governor’s commitment to national unity, accusing him of harbouring sentiments contrary to the interests of the North.
“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 on X.
He also referenced Obi’s past comments about former military leader General Yakubu Gowon and Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu, suggesting a pattern of disregard for northern sensibilities.
“On October 19, 2024, during General Gowon’s 90th birthday, Peter Obi called him ‘an enemy’ to be forgiven. And today, when General Buhari, the successor to Ahmadu Bello, was being buried, Peter Obi was nowhere to be found,” Omokri stated.
“Meanwhile, last week, he said Nnamdi Kanu’s trial ‘makes no sense’. This is the same Nnamdi Kanu who says the vilest things about Arewa and lied that General Buhari died in 2017 and was replaced by a clone from Sudan named Jubril,” he added.
Omokri concluded by warning that Obi’s perceived lack of national inclusivity could undermine his prospects in the 2027 presidential race: “In 2027, Nigeria needs a truly Nigerian president in Aso Rock, not a pretender whose true allegiance lies elsewhere.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Northern youth leader Sarki suggested Obi’s absence may cost him support in the region, where electoral influence remains crucial.
“Peter Obi didn’t attend President Muhammadu Buhari’s burial. This is the same man who expects northerners to hand over Nigeria to him, let’s see how he plans to become president without our votes,” Sarki wrote on X.
Both Omokri and Sarki have been vocal critics of Obi in the past, frequently challenging his political statements and positioning. Their latest remarks come amid heightened political tension as Nigeria gradually approaches another election cycle.
Meanwhile, questions have also been raised about the federal government’s decision to declare a public holiday on Tuesday in honour of Buhari. Human rights lawyer Maduabuchi Idam criticised the move, arguing that it sets a contentious precedent.
As the nation mourns the passing of its former leader, the political fallout surrounding his burial highlights deeper regional and ideological divisions that may shape the race to Aso Rock in 2027.
