Garba Mohammed
In a move that underscored the human side of politics and the unifying potential of national grief, Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, visited Daura, Katsina State, to condole with the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Obi arrived in the historic town just a day after Buhari was laid to rest according to Islamic rites. At the Daura residence of the late President, he signed the condolence register and spent quiet moments with Buhari’s family members, extending his sympathies and offering prayers for the repose of the departed statesman.
The former Anambra State governor’s visit resonated with symbolic significance. Despite representing divergent political ideologies and constituencies, Obi’s presence in Buhari’s hometown at such a somber time reflected a rare moment of respect, compassion, and statesmanship in Nigeria’s deeply polarised political landscape.
Buhari, who died in a UK hospital after a prolonged illness, was buried on Tuesday evening. His funeral prayer, held at the Central Mosque in Daura, was led by Sheikh Salisu Rabiu. In a solemn and dignified military tradition, Army Generals and Service Chiefs bore his coffin to the final resting place, where a 21-gun salute rang through the skies, marking the end of a storied public life that saw him serve as both military ruler and civilian president.
Though Peter Obi had been a critic of Buhari’s policies, particularly on the economy and security, his appearance in Daura drew commendation from various quarters, with many Nigerians on social media interpreting it as a gesture of maturity and national healing.
The condolence visit comes amid widespread mourning across the nation, particularly in the northern states, where Buhari enjoyed strong support throughout his political career. Markets remained shut in parts of Katsina and Kano, and flags continued to fly at half-mast in honour of the former leader, whose influence in Nigerian politics spanned over four decades.
In the house of mourning, Obi was seen in traditional attire, engaging with family members and close associates of the late President. There were no political speeches—just the quiet, respectful dignity that grief demands.
While no formal statement was released by Obi after the visit, sources close to him said he described Buhari as a man who served his country to the best of his convictions, even amid controversies. “He believed in Nigeria, and we must all now carry on in ways that promote peace, unity, and development,” one source quoted him as saying.
Political observers note that Obi’s condolence visit could help set a precedent for mutual respect among Nigeria’s political actors. In an era where electoral contests often fuel animosity, such gestures offer a glimmer of hope for a more civil political culture.
As Daura continues to receive a stream of sympathisers from across the country and beyond, the visit by Peter Obi adds to a growing chorus of voices calling for unity in grief and solidarity beyond party lines.
In the words of a local resident who witnessed the visit: “We may vote differently, but in death, we are all one. What Obi did today shows leadership”.