Daura, Katsina State July 19
In a rare demonstration of cross-party respect, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Governor of Kano State and presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), visited Daura, Katsina State, on Saturday to offer his condolences to the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari. The visit occurred during Nigeria’s seven-day national mourning period, declared by President Bola Tinubu, underscoring the weight of Buhari’s legacy and the enduring cultural importance of condolence visits in Nigerian society.
The former president, who died at the age of 82 in a London hospital on July 13, 2025, was buried in his hometown of Daura on July 15 according to Islamic rites. Buhari, a former military head of state and later a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023, leaves behind a complex but significant legacy shaped by his anti-corruption agenda, national security efforts, and a lifelong commitment to Nigeria’s unity. His passing has prompted a wide array of tributes from political leaders across party lines, with security tightened in Daura to manage the influx of dignitaries and mourners.
Kwankwaso, known for his signature red cap symbolizing his political movement, was accompanied by associates and sympathizers during the visit. He met with key figures, including Alhaji Mamman Daura, a close confidant and nephew of the late president, and also paid respects at the Emir of Daura’s palace. Offering prayers for the deceased, Kwankwaso described Buhari as “a leader whose contributions to Nigeria’s history cannot be forgotten.”
This visit forms part of a broader wave of condolence calls to Daura from across Nigeria’s political and social spectrum. Other notable visits include that of Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Nigeria’s First Lady, who was accompanied by women leaders including the spouses of the Vice President, Speaker of the House, and various state governors. They conveyed President Tinubu’s condolences to Buhari’s widow, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, highlighting the late leader’s reputation as “a statesman, a man of integrity, and a devoted servant of Nigeria.”
International dignitaries have also paid their respects. Leaders such as Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo joined other prominent figures at earlier ceremonies, reflecting the broad regional impact of Buhari’s leadership.
Observers note that such condolence visits, especially by figures from opposing political camps, underscore a cultural practice deeply rooted in Nigerian tradition, where moments of national loss often bridge political divides. Anthropologists point out that these visits strengthen social cohesion, even in politically tense environments. Kwankwaso’s visit is particularly significant given his long-standing rivalry with Buhari’s All Progressives Congress (APC), serving as a reminder of shared values and humanity in the face of mortality.
Buhari’s death has reignited discourse about his leadership style and legacy. While he was praised for infrastructural development and a disciplined approach to governance, his administration faced criticism over economic challenges, persistent insecurity, and issues surrounding press freedom. Despite these controversies, his burial was marked by military honors and attended by dignitaries including Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, further emphasizing his prominence in Nigeria’s political history.
As Nigeria observes the mourning period, Kwankwaso’s visit highlights a rare moment of unity, reminding the nation of the cultural and political significance of shared grief. With prayers offered for Buhari’s soul and reflections on his contributions to the country, Nigerians continue to look ahead, drawing lessons from the life and leadership of the late former president.
