Peter Obi says flight restrictions prevented him from attending Buhari’s burial, but he paid respects in Daura a day later.
Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has explained his absence from the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, citing flight restrictions.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday in Daura, Katsina State, after visiting Buhari’s family, Obi said: “Yes, it was difficult to come here yesterday because there were no flights. Even if you have a flight, you can’t land at Katsina Airport. It was all closed because there were a lot of dignitaries.”
Obi maintained that his visit was still within the mourning window. “And it is believed that the mourning continues today and tomorrow. Whoever comes today or tomorrow is still part of the mourning,” he said.
He recalled Buhari’s appeal to him during a past meeting: “Please care for the poor Nigerians.”
“I believe he did his best within his capacity,” Obi added, describing Buhari’s death as a reminder to serve selflessly.
Buhari, who died Sunday in London, was buried Tuesday in Daura with full military honours.