Peter Obi Dragged Over Buhari Funeral Snub by Arewa Influencer

A storm of controversy erupted on social media this week after a popular Arewa X (formerly Twitter) influencer publicly called out Labour Party presidential hopeful Peter Obi for failing to attend the funeral of former President Muhammadu Buhari. The online personality, known widely by the handle Waspapping, did not hold back in his criticism, stating that Obi’s absence sends a strong and unfavorable message to northern Nigeria, a region crucial for any serious political contender aiming to win the presidency in 2027.

Buhari, who passed away earlier this week and was laid to rest in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, received tributes from dignitaries across Nigeria. However, Peter Obi’s physical absence was glaring to many, especially his critics in the North. While the former Anambra State governor has remained silent on the matter, the conversation online has grown louder, with northern voices accusing him of disrespect and political tone-deafness.

Waspapping’s viral post captured the frustration of many northern youths and political watchers who believe Obi is underestimating the political weight of the North. He wrote, “Let’s see how Peter Obi wants to win an election in this country without the North. You didn’t attend Buhari’s funeral in Daura, yet you want Arewa to vote for you?” The post has sparked widespread debate and emotional reactions, with some echoing the sentiment while others defended Obi’s choice not to attend.

This isn’t the first time Waspapping has taken aim at Obi. Just weeks ago, the same influencer stirred controversy by declaring that any Northerner supporting Peter Obi was an “enemy of Islam and the North.” While the statement drew sharp criticism from more moderate voices, it highlighted the growing political tension between the former governor and sections of the northern electorate.

For his part, Obi has long been dogged by accusations, mostly from political opponents, of harboring anti-northern sentiments, a narrative he has repeatedly tried to debunk. In 2023, during Ramadan, Obi made a public gesture by donating food items and praying with Muslim communities in Anambra. “Anyone saying I hate Northerners should be disregarded,” he said at the time. However, moments like these seem to fade quickly in the face of new controversies.

Political observers say Obi’s absence from Buhari’s funeral may not have been intentional or malicious but argue that in the world of Nigerian politics, optics often matter more than intent. The North holds a significant portion of Nigeria’s voting population, and alienating it, even unintentionally, could be politically costly.

Meanwhile, the online reactions have not been limited to political discussions alone. Many Nigerians on platforms like Reddit and TikTok have expressed concern over how quickly regional differences are weaponized on social media. One user wrote, “We are heading into dangerous waters. Tribal tension is becoming the new content.” Another added, “This isn't just banter anymore. It’s slowly becoming hate wrapped in hashtags.”

Still, others believe Obi's political base, made up mostly of youth and reform-minded voters, will remain loyal despite the backlash. “Obi is not playing traditional politics. He’s talking about competence and character, not tribal affiliations,” said a Lagos-based analyst who asked not to be named.

Regardless of which side one falls on, one thing is clear. The road to 2027 is already heating up. Every move, or lack of one, is being dissected, debated, and sometimes exaggerated. Whether Peter Obi addresses this specific criticism or not, the pressure is mounting for him to find a delicate balance between his modern, reformist image and the deeply rooted regional politics that still dominate Nigeria’s electoral landscape.

As the dust settles around the funeral drama, the bigger question looms. Can any presidential candidate truly win Nigeria without courting the North? And is Peter Obi ready to answer that question not with words, but with presence, empathy, and timely political wisdom? Only time will tell.