Former presidential aide Reno Omokri and a prominent Northern youth influencer, Sarki, have criticized Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, for his absence at the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari in Daura, Katsina State, on Tuesday.
The funeral, which drew top dignitaries, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar and Yemi Osinbajo, and other political heavyweights, was a major state event. However, Peter Obi was conspicuously missing.
In a post on X, Reno Omokri accused Obi of showing disregard for the North and questioned his national loyalty.
“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.
Omokri further recalled past remarks by Obi, alleging that his recent positions confirm his bias.
“On October 19, 2024, during General Gowon’s 90th birthday, Peter Obi called him ‘an enemy’ to be forgiven. And today, when General Buhari, the successor to Ahmadu Bello, was being buried, Peter Obi was nowhere to be found,” he stated.
He also referenced Obi’s comments on the trial of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, suggesting they reveal his “true allegiance.”
“In 2027, Nigeria needs a truly Nigerian president in Aso Rock, not a pretender whose true allegiance lies elsewhere,” Omokri added.
Similarly, Northern youth leader Sarki warned that Obi’s absence could affect his chances in 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,” Sarki posted on X.
Both Omokri and Sarki are known critics of Obi, who finished third in the 2023 general elections.
Meanwhile, activist lawyer Maduabuchi Idam questioned President Tinubu’s decision to declare a public holiday in honour of the late Buhari.
