July 16, (THEWILL) — Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Wednesday led a delegation of opposition leaders, including former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, to pay their respects at the gravesite of late President Muhammadu Buhari in Daura, Katsina State.
Buhari, who died in a London clinic on Sunday at the age of 82, was buried on Tuesday in his hometown, in accordance with Islamic rites.
As dignitaries and mourners continue to troop to Daura to condole with the Buhari family, Atiku described the late president as “a man who dedicated his life to the service of the nation.”
Speaking with journalists during the visit, Obi explained that he had intended to attend the burial on Tuesday but was unable to do so due to flight unavailability and restricted airspace.
“There were no flights yesterday, and even if you had one, you couldn’t land at the Katsina Airport. It was closed to accommodate the arrival of high-level dignitaries,” Obi said.
He, however, emphasized that mourning is not confined to the day of burial.
“It is believed that the mourning continues today and tomorrow. Whoever comes today or tomorrow is still very much part of the mourning,” he added.
Obi also shared a personal recollection of his encounter with Buhari during his 2023 presidential campaign.
He added, “I met him while I was campaigning, and I remember his words clearly: ‘Please care for the poor Nigerians.’ That has stayed with me. I believe he did his best within his capacity, and I remember his sincere appeal to help the poor.”
Reflecting on Buhari’s passing, Obi described it as a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of life and power.
“We must all learn to serve our country selflessly, knowing that one day we will all return to our Creator,” he said.
He called for unity during the national period of mourning, stating, “In moments like this, we must remember the bonds that unite us beyond politics.”
Buhari, who previously ruled Nigeria as military Head of State from 1983 to 1985, made history by becoming the first opposition candidate to defeat an incumbent president at the polls in 2015.
He served two terms, leaving office in 2023.
His remains were flown into Katsina on Tuesday aboard a Nigerian Air Force jet, accompanied by Vice President Kashim Shettima and Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila.
They were received by President Bola Tinubu, who led a federal delegation in honouring the late leader.
Buhari was buried in the garden of his Daura residence—a place where he often spent quiet moments.
His coffin, draped in the national flag, was transported on a military carriage and interred with full military honours, including ceremonial gunfire, in recognition of his status as Nigeria’s former Commander-in-Chief.
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