In a post by Imran on X showing former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai visiting the grave of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari in Daura, Katsina State. This visit occurred just one day after Buhari’s burial on July 15, 2025, following his death on July 13, 2025, in London at age 82.
The post sparked significant discussion on X, with many users expressing skepticism about the intentions behind the visit. Comments ranged from calling it “grave side politics” to predicting Atiku’s future political moves, suggesting the visit might be a strategic effort to solidify political positions rather than a sincere tribute.
Given Atiku’s and El-Rufai’s prominent roles in Nigerian politics, the timing—shortly after the burial—has led to perceptions of political maneuvering. This reflects broader public concerns about the intersection of politics and personal respect in Nigeria, especially during sensitive times like national mourning.
The accompanying text stated, “This morning, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Nasir Elrufai visited the grave of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.” This visit occurred one day after Buhari’s burial on July 15, 2025, following his death on July 13, 2025, in London at age 82, after a prolonged illness, as confirmed by Podium Reporters.
The X post received significant engagement, with replies reflecting a mix of skepticism, cynicism, and political commentary.
Below is a table summarizing key reactions:
Username @JamieOlat
“Politicians are the most unpredictable people. Wait for Pitobi to visit and sit near the grave or sweeping it after being called out for not attending.”
@de_generalnoni
“So dem carry politics to burial again?? They could not set aside there differences and bury the man. Chai!”
@KesterBrown_
“So many obedient’s don’t even know, Atiku Abubakar was a former vice president to OBJ.”
@Egbnke1
“Atiku is now the political leader of Northern Nigeria, & he will be the next President in 2027.”
@NWEKEMI76446932
“So Atiku na El rufai right hand man now? What Politics cannot do, does not exist.”
@gbengagiwa_gg
“Is that all? 😔 …… why are we struggling and running after nothing! May Almighty Allah forgive baba all his sins.”
@ElianaOsazee
“Grave side politics. Them go mourn Buhari pass the Children. Very predictable set of Politicians. Greed for power.”
@Seunfunmi_mi
“They dear not show face yesterday 🤣,” implying absence on burial day and calculated appearance.
These reactions indicate a public perception that the visit might be politically motivated, with comments like “grave side politics” and “greed for power” suggesting fatigue with political posturing. The mention of Peter Obi and predictions about Atiku’s future presidency highlight the ongoing political dynamics, while @KesterBrown_’s comment points to a generational or informational gap in political awareness.
Muhammadu Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s president from 2015 to 2023, was a significant figure in Nigerian politics, known for his military background and anti-corruption stance. His death on July 13, 2025, and subsequent burial on July 15, 2025, with state honors, as reported by podium reporters, drew national attention. The visit by Atiku and El-Rufai, both key political figures—Atiku as a former Vice President (1999–2007) and multiple presidential candidate, and El-Rufai as a former APC governor instrumental in Buhari’s 2015 victory—occurred in this sensitive period, amplifying public scrutiny.
This context underscores the timing of the visit, which some perceive as opportunistic given their absence on the burial day, as noted by @Seunfunmi_mi.