No Flight to Daura’ — Obi Explains Absence from Buhari’s Burial

Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, has explained that flight restrictions prevented him from attending the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday.

Obi clarified on Wednesday while speaking with journalists in Daura, Katsina state, after a condolence visit to Buhari’s family.

“Yes, it was difficult to come here yesterday because there were no flights,” he said. “Even if you have a flight, you can’t land at Katsina Airport. It was all closed because there were a lot of dignitaries.”

Buhari, who died on Sunday in London, was buried on Tuesday at his Daura residence with full military honours.

Obi, a former governor of Anambra state, noted that his visit was still within the mourning period and emphasised that respect for the dead extends beyond the burial day.

“And it is believed that the mourning continues today and tomorrow. Whoever comes today or tomorrow is still part of the mourning,” he said.

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He recounted a personal interaction with the late president during the 2023 campaign season.

“I had the opportunity of meeting him while I was campaigning, and I remember his words to this day: ‘Please care for the poor Nigerians’. That’s what I always remember,” Obi said.

Reflecting on Buhari’s passing, Obi added, “We all have to learn how to serve our country, knowing that one day we will be called back by our creator.”