Atiku, Obi, El-Rufai Pay Final Respects to Buhari in Daura

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai were among the dignitaries who visited the graveside of former President Muhammadu Buhari in Daura, Katsina State, on Wednesday. The visit followed Buhari’s burial on Tuesday, after he passed away in London on Sunday at the age of 81.

The late president was laid to rest in his hometown with full military honours, drawing a steady stream of mourners and high-profile visitors to Daura. Buhari’s funeral has continued to attract widespread national attention, with notable figures offering condolences to his family and reflecting on his legacy.

Atiku Abubakar, who arrived early with other dignitaries, described Buhari as “a man who dedicated his life to the service of the nation.” Peter Obi, while paying his respects, emphasized unity beyond politics, saying, “In moments like this, we must remember the bonds that unite us beyond politics.”

Buhari, who first led Nigeria as a military head of state from 1983 to 1985, later returned as a democratically elected president, serving from 2015 to 2023. His body was flown into Nigeria on Tuesday morning, accompanied by Vice President Kashim Shettima and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila. President Bola Tinubu received the remains at Katsina Airport, where a government delegation had assembled to pay tribute.

The burial was held in accordance with Islamic rites at a garden spot within his Daura residence, a place where he was often seen in quiet reflection. His body, wrapped in the Nigerian flag, was brought to the graveside on a military trolley, as gunshots rang out in a ceremonial salute to his service as the nation’s former commander-in-chief.