2027: Omokri, Northern Youth Slam Peter Obi Over Absence at Buhari’s Burial — “Let’s See How He Plans to Become President Without Our Votes”

Former presidential aide Reno Omokri and Northern youth figure Sarki have openly criticised Labour Party leader Peter Obi for failing to attend the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari in Daura, Katsina State, on Tuesday.

In separate posts on X, the duo questioned Obi’s absence at the high-profile funeral, which was attended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former vice presidents Atiku Abubakar and Yemi Osinbajo, and other key political figures.

Reno Omokri accused Obi of showing disregard for the North, claiming that his absence was another sign of what he called Obi’s “pretence” at national unity.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was in Daura from beginning to end, showing his personal devotion to General Muhammadu Buhari and his commitment to the North. Arewa, remember who was not there!” Omokri wrote.

He went on to cite Obi’s October 2024 remarks calling General Yakubu Gowon “an enemy” to be forgiven, and criticised him for recently saying Nnamdi Kanu’s trial “makes no sense.” Omokri argued that such comments, paired with Obi’s absence at Buhari’s burial, paint a clear picture.

“Arewa, isn’t the handwriting on the wall clear? In 2027, Nigeria needs a truly Nigerian president in Aso Rock, not a pretender whose true allegiance lies elsewhere,” he said.

Sarki, a prominent Northern voice on social media, warned that Obi’s failure to attend the funeral could seriously hurt his chances in the North ahead of the 2027 presidential race.

“Peter Obi didn’t attend President Muhammadu Buhari’s burial. This is the same man who expects northerners to hand over Nigeria to him. Let’s see how he plans to become president without our votes,” he wrote.

Peter Obi, who emerged as a major contender in the 2023 presidential election, has not issued a statement regarding his absence. Both Omokri and Sarki have consistently voiced opposition to his presidential ambitions.

Meanwhile, human rights lawyer Maduabuchi Idam has questioned President Tinubu’s decision to declare a public holiday for the funeral.