Politics
Social Media War Over Obi’s Absence At Buhari’s Burial
By Benjamin Abioye
The Nigerian political scene was set ablaze on X (formerly Twitter) after a controversial post from prominent northern commentator @Sarki criticized Labour Party’s presidential candidate Peter Obi for not attending the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Sarki posted:
“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.”
The statement quickly drew reactions from Nigerians across different regions and political views. Many questioned the logic behind using burial attendance as a political benchmark, while others defended or criticized Obi’s choice.
Mixed Reactions From Nigerians:
@imrana_usman01 acknowledged President Tinubu’s handling of the burial: “I don’t like Tinubu, but the way he handled the whole burial procession was fantastically commendable… but how about Peter whose integrity is already in doubt?”
@sasmanic jokingly said: “He was not sure if that was Jubril or Buhari burial.”
@Biigg_S mocked the idea of “handing over” Nigeria: “‘Hand over Nigeria to him.’??? Like are we not in the same Nigeria?”
Many questioned the rationale of Sarki’s comment. @Ibrahim_mikiya bluntly asked: “Must he attend?”
@Rosemary3151721 expressed concern over ethnic bias: “So leadership is now Northerners’ birthright? Imagine how you think.”
@cryptobull_runs pointed to hypocrisy: “The same northerners that were dancing and jubilating over Buhari’s death?”
Others wondered if similar expectations would be placed on leaders from the north. @King____Morgan asked: “Would Buhari or Tinubu go for Peter Obi’s event?”
Some reactions took a direct swipe at perceived northern political dominance. @SuperBShaddie said: “Northerners are too arrogant when it comes to this Nigerian matter especially politics.”
@blaakjeez emphasized policy over appearances: “I fail to see the connection between attending Buhari’s funeral and the North’s loyalty to support Peter Obi… no party has convinced me of their plans.”
@NotMrNobody1960 argued: “They care nothing about good governance but name and recognition… He can still visit the family but you should stop thinking like cow.”
Some Found the Situation Ridiculous
@ochuko_ii sarcastically said: “It’s unfortunate Peter Obi refused to dig the grave after he was paid to do so. Ode.”
@0xdCryptoGuy joked: “He wan raise am up from the dead? Abeg let the dead bury their dead.”
@uhl_movings noted: “Even if he had gone, that won’t change the trajectory of the election.”
Some stood firmly behind Peter Obi’s past efforts in the North. @JuujuGirl expressed frustration: “Peter Obi not attending is your problem, and Peter Obi visiting IDP camps is also a problem… meanwhile your stupid leaders from the North couldn’t provide that.”
@HILFIGER_BILLz added: “This is why Africa is still like this. Why vote for incompetence instead of competence because the person didn’t attend a burial?”
Others See the Bigger Picture
@constantine8527 wrote: “Winning an election in Nigeria is more about your political agenda and economic strategy for sustainable development.”
@korieudochi questioned the narrative: “Is Buhari the father of Northern Nigeria, such that attending his burial becomes a yardstick for northern loyalty?”
@fashorodee felt Obi missed an opportunity: “It wouldn’t have taken anything from PO if he had graced Buhari’s burial.”
Some users pointed to the larger issue of regional politics. @TradCraft™ wrote: “Bro, region doesn’t win elections in Nigeria. If it did, why didn’t the North hand over presidency to PMB in his first three attempts?”
And @kingyj019 summed up the controversy: “Is Nigeria a personal property that a particular tribe hands over to politicians of their choice?”
Peter Obi’s absence at Buhari’s burial has sparked a larger conversation about tribalism, leadership expectations, and the role of symbolism in Nigerian politics. While some believe his absence is a political misstep, others argue it’s irrelevant in the larger context of leadership quality and national development.
The 2027 elections are still far ahead, but the tensions playing out on social media show that the road to Aso Rock will be anything but quiet.
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