Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi has disclosed what the late former president Muhammadu Buhari told him while he was campaigning for presidency.
He stated that the former military leader advised him to care for people experiencing poverty.
Speaking at the third-day Islamic prayer held in Katsina State in honour of the former president, Obi said: “I had the opportunity of meeting him while I was campaigning. And I remember his words till today, ‘please care for the poor Nigerians’.
“That’s what I always remember. And I believe that he did his best within his capacity,’’ Obi added.
Obi said the encounter with the late former president left a lasting impression on him, especially Buhari’s sincerity in appealing for better welfare for vulnerable Nigerians..
Reflecting on the late president’s legacy, Peter Obi emphasised the importance of selfless service to the country and agreed with public views on Buhari’s simplicity and commitment to the poor.
“Of course. Like I said, I am not close to him. I only met him during my campaign. And I remember vividly his sincere appeal for fighting and caring for the poor,” he said.
The federal government’s delegation to the prayer was led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who delivered President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s message describing Buhari’s passing as a “great loss”, saying he would “truly be missed.”
Top government officials, Islamic clerics, and other dignitaries, including the former Attorney-General of the Federation and the Chief of Army Staff, were also present at the prayer.
Though the formal three-day prayers have concluded, Islamic clerics are expected to continue with extended prayers for seven more days, in line with Islamic tradition and an agreement between the family, the Katsina State Government, and the presidency.