• Tinubu showers praises, to lead Buhari’s tributes at FEC meeting today
• Atiku’s PDP exit letter aimed at stealing spotlight from Buhari’s death, says Keyamo
• Shettima leads Fidau prayers for former President in Daura
• Chinese President Xi sends condolence message to Tinubu

Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have come under criticism over their conduct following the death and burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

This was as Salihu Lukman, a former National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and now a chieftain of the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition, stated that the death of Buhari signifies the end of an era in which his endorsement guaranteed electoral victory.

Meanwhile, a special session of the Federal Executive Council in honour of former President Muhammadu Buhari will be held today from 1.00 p.m. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will lead the session of tributes for the departed leader.

Yesterday, in an emotional farewell, President Tinubu described Buhari as a friend and brother and was deeply emotional to see him laid to rest. He stated: “His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR. Mai Gaskiya was not just a former president. He was a man of rare discipline and quiet strength, whose love for Nigeria shaped every decision he made, even in the face of criticism.

“I mourn him deeply, not just as my predecessor, but as a comrade in the long and often lonely journey of nation-building. To his beloved wife, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, and the entire family, I offer my heartfelt condolences. May you find comfort in the honour and legacy he leaves behind. Nigeria has lost a true son. I have lost a friend in former President Buhari,” Tinubu stated.

Speaking yesterday on Arise Television, Lukman observed that even before the late President’s passing, his political clout had diminished, casting doubt on the continued potency of his support at the polls.

He urged leaders within the ADC coalition to unite and build a strong political party, not only capable of defeating the APC but also of rescuing Nigerians from present challenges.

“What we must learn, most especially in the coalition, is that we don’t have somebody with the kind of intimidating profile like that of the late Buhari, and what that means is that all the leaders of the coalition need to be humble and acknowledge that they need one another and, in the context of that, develop strong teamwork. I think that is the challenge we are all facing. Our leaders must have a kind of team spirit,” he said.

“It is not about succeeding to defeat APC and Tinubu but succeeding to produce a new, fresh political template that will begin to meet the expectations of Nigerians. That is what I have been emphasising. We must try to build a strong political party.”

Reflecting on Buhari’s influence in northern Nigeria, Lukman stated: “I am aware, being somebody from the North, I know that many politicians look forward to him raising their hands and endorsing them. That translates almost into victory in many places in the North. And that, in a way, made politicians lazy.”

He added: “Now we don’t have any figure like that, which is why today I am one of those in the coalition who keeps raising the point that leaders of the coalition must remember, we don’t have somebody like late President Buhari anymore, who, when he raises your hand, it translates into victory.

“What that means is that politicians must be humble and begin to engage citizens with more listening ears and disposition when they promise and win election to begin to meet those expectations of citizens.”

Meanwhile, Obi has responded to criticism over his absence at the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, urging Nigerians not to turn national moments of mourning into platforms for political attacks.

Obi, who arrived in Daura yesterday to pay his respects to the Buhari family, explained that his inability to attend Tuesday’s burial ceremony was due to logistical constraints, including lack of flight availability and airport restrictions tied to heightened security arrangements for visiting dignitaries.

“It was difficult to come yesterday (Tuesday) because there was no flight. Even if there was a flight, you couldn’t land in Katsina Airport; it was closed due to the presence of many dignitaries,” Obi said in an interview with Arise TV.

The former Anambra State governor emphasised that true respect is demonstrated through intent and action, rather than public theatrics or media optics.

“Mourning isn’t a show. I am here today because I believe in honouring the dead respectfully, not because I want to be seen, but because it is the right thing to do,” he said.

Describing the backlash against his absence as unfortunate, Obi called for decency in public discourse, particularly when addressing sensitive matters such as death and grief.

“Even in mourning, we must preserve our values as a people. Let us not politicise every gesture. Respect and sympathy should unite us, not divide us,” he added.

Obi’s visit to the Buhari residence in Daura was received with appreciation by local leaders and members of the late President’s family, who welcomed the gesture as timely and sincere.

Keyamo: Atiku’s PDP exit letter aimed at stealing spotlight from Buhari’s death
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has faulted former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over the timing of his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party, accusing him of attempting to divert national attention during a week of mourning for late former President Muhammadu Buhari.

In his resignation letter dated July 14, 2025, and addressed to the PDP Chairman, Jada 1 Ward, Jada Local Council of Adamawa State, Atiku had said, “I find it necessary to part ways due to the current trajectory the Party has taken, which I believe diverges from the foundational principles we stood for. It is with a heavy heart that I resign, recognising the irreconcilable differences that have emerged.”

In a statement posted on his verified social media handle, Keyamo acknowledged Atiku’s constitutional right to leave any political party but described the timing of his action as insensitive and self-centred.

“Your Excellency, whilst I acknowledge that it is within your constitutional right to change political parties at any time you may wish, releasing your letter of resignation from the PDP during this week of the mourning of our immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari, is clearly an attempt to draw the spotlight away from such a solemn occasion and direct it on yourself,” Keyamo wrote.

He claimed that Atiku signed and released the letter barely a day after Buhari’s death was officially announced, describing it as evidence of a lack of sympathy.

“This clearly demonstrates that your obsession with your perennial presidential ambition knows no sympathy or empathy,” he said. Beyond the timing, Keyamo also raised concerns over the use of Nigeria’s Coat of Arms on the letter. According to him, it is both “morally and legally wrong” for the former Vice President to include a national symbol in personal or political correspondence.

Citing Section 6 of the Flag and Coat of Arms Act, Cap. F30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, he noted that unauthorised use of national symbols is prohibited.

Atiku explains graveside visit, condolence to Aisha Buhari
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has explained the reason for his visit to the graveside of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari and a condolence visit to the deceased’s widow, Mrs Aisha Buhari. Atiku said he, along with former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai and other members of the opposition coalition, visited Daura to offer special prayers for the former President.

In a post on his official X handle, Atiku stated: “This afternoon, I completed a three-day condolence visit to Daura, Katsina State, where I joined many other sympathisers for the third-day prayers in honour of the late President Muhammadu Buhari.

“Before participating in the larger congregational prayers, I, along with former Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, offered special prayers at the graveside of the deceased.

“Before leaving Daura, I visited Aisha Buhari, the widowed former First Lady, to express my condolences.
“Once again, may Almighty Allah forgive his sins and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus. -AA”

Shettima leads Fidau prayers for former President in Daura
Vice President Kashim Shettima led other prominent Nigerians at the third-day Fidau prayers for the late former President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday afternoon.

The prayer session, held within the premises of the late former President’s private residence in Daura, Katsina State, drew a large crowd of sympathisers. Shettima arrived at the venue at approximately 12:23 p.m., and the prayers commenced at 12:30 p.m., led by several Islamic clerics.

The Fidau prayer is an Islamic rite in which friends and family gather to pray for the forgiveness of the deceased’s sins and seek blessings for their afterlife. It typically involves reciting the Holy Quran, supplications, and, in some cases, performing charitable acts on behalf of the departed.

Traditionally observed on the third day after death, Fidau prayers may also be held on the seventh, 40th, and 100th days, or other dates as chosen by the family and friends of the deceased.

During the prayers, Buhari’s widow, Aisha, remained in one of the sitting rooms of the residence, where she joined other women, mostly relatives, in observing the rites.

Islamic leaders offered prayers and supplications, asking Almighty Allah to forgive the late President’s shortcomings and grant his soul eternal rest.

Shettima described the death of Buhari as a monumental loss not only to his family, the people of Daura, and Katsina State, but also to the entire nation and the African continent.

Speaking after the prayer, the Vice President disclosed that President Bola Tinubu is deeply pained by the passing of his predecessor.

“The President was personally pained by the loss. He sent me to London earlier to visit the late President. I was there for two days. When he answered the call of Allah, the President again directed me and the Chief of Staff to accompany the family and bring the body back home,” Shettima said. He noted that people from across the world have reached out to commiserate with President Tinubu over the loss of the elder statesman.

“Every soul shall taste the torment of death,” he remarked, adding, “Death is an inevitable destiny that hangs over every person. We are all but travellers with our bags packed, waiting for the train.”

The Vice President prayed for Allah to grant the soul of the late President eternal rest in Al-Jannah Firdaus and protect the family he left behind.
In consultation with President Tinubu, the Buhari family, and the Katsina State Government, it was agreed that a larger prayer session would be held today in Daura to formally conclude the mourning rites for the late President.

Shettima emphasised that while the formal prayer is scheduled for noon, Nigerians from all walks of life are still welcome to extend condolences to the government and people of Katsina State.

Earlier, Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umar Radda, said Buhari’s passing was a significant loss to the state, Nigeria, and the African continent. He urged leaders to preserve the legacy of transparency, honesty, and accountability that Buhari championed.

“Buhari lived and died for the people,” the governor said, calling on citizens to continue praying for the late President’s soul. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, also extolled the former President’s virtues, saying: “We are here to pray for the repose of our former leader. May Allah accept his soul. Yesterday, we witnessed his burial here in Daura, attended by people from all walks of life, including President Tinubu. Today, we are here again to offer our condolences and prayers.”

Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi, who served under Buhari, praised the late President’s integrity and leadership qualities.

“Buhari tried his best to fight corruption at all levels. He worked to improve the economy, and we thank Allah for giving us a leader of such calibre,” Dingyadi said.

Also present at the prayer and condolence visit were: Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari; Minister of Environment, Alhaji Balarabe Abbas; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu; Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi; Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud; Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Prince Shaibu Abubakar; and Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo.

Chinese President Xi sends condolence message to Tinubu over Buhari’s death
Chinese President Xi Jinping yesterday sent a message of condolence to his Nigerian counterpart, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, over the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

In a letter made available to the media through the Embassy of China in Nigeria, Xi, on behalf of the Chinese government and people, expressed deep condolences and extended sincere sympathy to the family of the late Buhari, the Nigerian government, and the people.

Xi described Buhari as an important leader of Nigeria, who dedicated himself to exploring a development path suited to his country’s national conditions. “He made outstanding contributions to national unity and progress, and was highly respected in the international community,” Xi stated.

According to him, Buhari steadfastly upheld friendship with China, actively promoted the Nigeria-China friendship and China-Africa cooperation, adding that “his passing represents a tremendous loss to the Nigerian people and the loss of a dear friend to the Chinese people.

“China highly values the development of its relations with Nigeria and is willing to work with the Nigerian side to consistently move forward the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership,” Xi added.