Atiku, Osibanjo, Amaechi, Others In Daura For Buhari’s Burial

A powerful delegation of Nigeria’s political heavyweights, former government officials, and dignitaries from across the country has converged on Daura, Katsina State, for the final burial rites of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday after a prolonged illness.

The town has become the epicenter of national mourning. With thousands of sympathizers, mourners, and supporters trooping into Daura, the sleepy town has transformed into a bustling scene of solemnity and honour.

Among the early arrivals are former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar and Yemi Osinbajo; former Minister of Transportation and Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi; and former Governors Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Aminu Masari (Katsina), Yahaya Bello (Kogi), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), and Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto).

Also in attendance are prominent political leaders including Ahmad Lawan, former Senate President; Ali Isa Pantami, former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy; Pauline Tallen, former Minister of Women Affairs; and Ali Modu Sheriff, a former Governor of Borno State and former PDP National Chairman.

The atmosphere around Daura’s Emir’s Palace and Buhari’s family compound is tightly secured, with the Nigerian Army, Police, Civil Defence Corps, and DSS operatives deployed to maintain order.

Roadblocks and traffic diversions have been mounted on all access routes into the town, and makeshift tents have been erected to accommodate the influx of mourners.

Buhari, a former military Head of State (1983–1985) and two-term democratically elected President (2015–2023), is being remembered as a leader who shaped Nigeria’s political discourse for over four decades.

His mixed legacy includes a stern anti-corruption stance, infrastructure drive, and polarising economic policies.

Speaking to journalists in Daura, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar said, “President Buhari was a major force in Nigeria’s political evolution.

“While we may have differed on ideology, no one can deny his patriotism and contribution to the nation’s democratic stability.”

Yemi Osinbajo, Buhari’s Vice President from 2015 to 2023, added, “He was a man of deep conviction, a soldier in word and deed. Nigeria has lost a statesman.”

A short funeral prayer was observed at the Daura Central Mosque, led by the Chief Imam of Daura, with thousands of mourners in attendance.

Buhari’s body is expected to be interred later this afternoon at his ancestral home in accordance with Islamic rites.

President Bola Tinubu, who just arrived in Daura, has declared three days of national mourning. Flags at government buildings nationwide have been lowered to half-mast.

The funeral continues over the next two days with tributes from religious, traditional, and political institutions, as Nigeria bids farewell to the former military head of state and president.

Atiku, Osibanjo, Amaechi, Others In Daura For Buhari’s Burial is first published on The Whistler Newspaper