From Tribute to Tension: Buhari’s Burial Sparks Political Controversy

The death of former President Muhammadu Buhari has not only brought a wave of national mourning but also stirred up fresh political debates as Nigeria looks ahead to the 2027 elections.

While many Nigerians paid heartfelt tributes, political observers noticed power plays beneath the surface. Politicians from both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the African Democratic Party (ADC) are now trying to position themselves as Buhari’s political heirs.

Buhari died on July 12 in a London hospital at the age of 82.

President Bola Tinubu took full charge of the burial process—from announcing Buhari’s death to overseeing his interment. He sent Vice President Kashim Shettima to the UK to escort Buhari’s body home. Tinubu was also present in Daura, Buhari’s hometown, where he paid his final respects by bowing before the body. The image was widely shared across national newspapers.

However, some prominent opposition figures, such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai, were noticeably absent from the burial events. Buhari’s former vice president, Yemi Osinbajo, was also seen as sidelined, with former minister Solomon Dalung saying Osinbajo was “reduced to a commentator.”

Following the funeral, Tinubu hosted a special Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting where tributes were delivered in Buhari’s honor. Buhari’s son, Yusuf, also attended. To further honor his predecessor, Tinubu renamed the University of Maiduguri as Muhammadu Buhari University.