Former presidential aide Reno Omokri and northern social media influencer, Sarki, have criticized Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, for his absence at the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, held on Tuesday in Daura, Katsina State.
The late President Buhari was laid to rest in a state-attended ceremony that drew the presence of top dignitaries including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar and Yemi Osinbajo, and other notable political figures.
Obi’s conspicuous absence sparked a wave of criticism on social media, particularly from Omokri and Sarki, both of whom made their remarks in separate posts on X (formerly Twitter).
Omokri accused Obi of displaying a pattern of disregard for the northern region and questioned his sincerity as a national leader.
“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 further referenced past comments made by Obi, including his statement during General Yakubu Gowon’s 90th birthday and his recent remarks on the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
“Arewa, isn’t the handwriting on the wall clear?” Omokri asked. “In 2027, Nigeria needs a truly Nigerian president in Aso Rock, not a pretender whose true allegiance lies elsewhere.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Sarki argued that Obi’s absence could harm his 2027 presidential ambitions.
“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.
Critics of Obi have long questioned his political strategy regarding northern Nigeria, a region considered pivotal in determining the outcome of national elections.
Meanwhile, legal activist Maduabuchi Idam also raised concerns over the national holiday declared by President Tinubu in honour of Buhari’s passing, questioning its necessity.
Peter Obi has yet to officially respond to the criticisms.
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