Buhari’s Last Words to Me Were “Please Care for Poor Nigerians” — Peter Obi

Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State and a prominent Labour Party leader, has revealed that the late President Muhammadu Buhari once urged him to prioritise the needs of the poor. Speaking to journalists on Wednesday during a condolence visit to the Buhari family in Daura, Katsina State, Obi recalled his encounter with the former president during the 2023 election campaign. “I remember his words till today: ‘Please care for poor Nigerians.’ That, I always remember,” he said.

Obi praised the former president’s efforts while in office, saying, “I believe he did his best within his capacity.”

He was among several politicians and dignitaries who visited the Buhari family to offer condolences. Buhari died on Sunday, July 13, at the age of 82 in a London hospital and was buried on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura.

Buhari ruled Nigeria as a military leader from 1983 to 1985 and later served two terms as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023. His passing has prompted mixed reactions nationwide, with many reflecting on his controversial legacy marked by economic hardship, human rights concerns, and institutional challenges.