Peter Obi Recalls Buhari’s Advice During 2023 Campaign: Care for Poor Nigerians

Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has revealed a heartfelt message he received from late former President Muhammadu Buhari during his campaign consultations.

Obi, who finished third in the 2023 polls, disclosed this on Wednesday during a condolence visit to Buhari’s family in Daura, Katsina State.

He joined other political leaders in paying tribute to the former President, who was buried on Tuesday after passing away in London at the age of 82.

Speaking to journalists after the visit, the former Anambra State governor shared his interaction with Buhari when he met the then-sitting president as part of his campaign activities.

“I had the opportunity of meeting him while I was campaigning,” Obi recalled. “And I remember his words clearly — ‘Please care for the poor Nigerians’. That I can still remember. And I believe he did his best within his capacity.”

The visit comes amid public scrutiny over Obi’s absence at Tuesday’s burial, which drew dignitaries including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar and Yemi Osinbajo, among others. Obi’s appearance in Daura on Wednesday appears to be a move to pay personal respects and offer condolences directly to the late President’s family.

Obi described Buhari as a leader who tried to serve Nigeria to the best of his ability, especially in advocating for the welfare of the underprivileged.

He expressed his sympathies to the bereaved family and the people of Katsina State, noting Buhari’s dual legacy as both a former military Head of State and a democratically elected president.

Buhari, a native of Katsina State, served as Nigeria’s military ruler from 1983 to 1985 and later as a two-term civilian president between 2015 and 2023. His burial followed Islamic rites and took place at his residence in Daura.

The Labour Party flagbearer’s remarks have been seen as an attempt to strike a tone of unity and national reflection amid the political tensions surrounding Buhari’s passing.

Peter Obi’s visit follows public criticism from political commentators including Reno Omokri and a northern youth leader known as Sarki, who had earlier questioned his absence at the state funeral.

Obi has not responded directly to the criticisms but reiterated on Wednesday the importance of national unity and remembering the values the late President stood for.