Where Were They? The Big Names Missing from Buhari’s Burial — And Why It Matters
By Jonathan | July 16, 2025
On July 15, 2025, Nigeria stood still as the nation laid to rest one of its most iconic and controversial leaders — former President Muhammadu Buhari. From military parades to tearful crowds in Daura, it was a day of solemn tribute.
But while the world watched, one question lingered on social media and in political circles: Who didn’t show up?
In the sea of dignitaries, some powerful absences made as much noise as the 21-gun salute.
Peter Obi: The Silence Was Loud
The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, was nowhere to be found in Daura. And Nigerians noticed — especially in the North.
While former presidents, foreign envoys, and state governors stood shoulder-to-shoulder in mourning, Obi’s chair remained empty. The backlash online was immediate and intense.
“Peter Obi travelled all the way to Rome for a burial he wasn’t even invited to… but he was nowhere to be found in Daura,” one user posted on X.
Another wrote:
“You want Northern votes but couldn’t show up to honor a Northern icon? Arewa, take note!”
It didn’t take long before political analysts began asking: Was it a political calculation — or a mistake that could cost him 2027?
🪦 Irony? Buhari Himself Skipped Burials Too
In an interesting twist, some supporters defended Obi’s absence by pointing to Buhari’s own record.
Back in 2021, when Nigeria mourned the death of Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, Buhari didn’t attend the funeral — despite it taking place just minutes from the Presidential Villa.
Instead, he was reportedly in Paris for an economic summit. His spokesperson, Garba Shehu, famously claimed the President didn’t want to cause traffic in Abuja.
“Buhari avoided attending funerals to minimize public disruption,” they said.
So when people complained about Obi missing Buhari’s burial, some clapped back: “He just learned from the man himself.”
Were There Other No-Shows?
Interestingly, most high-profile figures did make an appearance — including:
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar and Yemi Osinbajo
VP Kashim Shettima
Governors from across Nigeria
Emirs from Daura, Kano, Zazzau, and more
Foreign dignitaries from Niger, Guinea-Bissau, and the AU
So far, there have been no public reports of major absences beyond Peter Obi, but the buzz around his absence was strong enough to overshadow any others.
Muhammadu Buhari’s burial was a moment of national reflection — but it also reminded us how presence (or lack of it) sends a powerful message.
In politics, it’s not just what you say. It’s where you stand. And on July 15th, the empty spaces in Daura told stories of their own.
What do you think? Should Peter Obi have attended Buhari’s burial? Drop your thoughts in the comments.
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