Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has paid tribute to former President Muhammadu Buhari during a condolence visit to Daura, Katsina State, where the late leader was laid to rest earlier this week.
Speaking to ARISE News on Wednesday, Obi reflected on the challenges he faced traveling to Katsina due to flight restrictions caused by the influx of dignitaries attending the state funeral.
“It was difficult to come here yesterday because there were no flights. Even if you had one, you couldn’t land at the Katsina Airport—it was completely shut down due to the high number of dignitaries,” he said.
Despite the obstacles, Obi said he felt it was important to personally pay his respects, citing a lasting memory from a campaign encounter with Buhari.
“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. “And I believe he did his best within his capacity.”
He described Buhari as a leader whose concern for the poor left a lasting impression, even amid widespread criticism of his administration.
“I remember vividly his sincere appeal for fighting and caring for the poor,” he said. “It’s something that still resonates with me.”
Reflecting on the former president’s passing, Obi emphasized the importance of service and legacy.
“We all have to learn how to serve our country knowing that one day, we will all be called back by our Creator,” he noted.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari died in London on Sunday at the age of 82 and was buried on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura with full military honours.
