A high-powered delegation of political leaders, government officials, and traditional rulers gathered in Daura, Katsina State, on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, for the Fidda’u prayers held in honour of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The solemn event, which began precisely at 12 noon, drew a significant assembly of dignitaries from across the nation who came to pay their respects and offer prayers for the repose of the late leader’s soul.
Vice President Kashim Shettima led the federal government’s delegation to the prayer session, accompanied by the Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Umar Radda, and his Borno State counterpart, Professor Babagana Zulum.
Their presence underlined the national importance of the occasion, reflecting the late Buhari’s towering status in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Also present at the Fidda’u were prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate and former Governor of Anambra State; and Nasir El-Rufai, the immediate past Governor of Kaduna State. Their participation was seen as a symbolic gesture of unity and respect transcending party affiliations.
Other notable attendees included former Katsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari; Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Buba Marwa; the Emir of Daura, His Royal Highness Faruk Umar Faruk; former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Yusuf Tukur Buratai (rtd); former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami; and former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami.
Additionally, Senator Abdul’Aziz Yar’adua, community leaders, religious clerics, and traditional rulers from various parts of the country graced the prayer session, lending further gravitas to the event.
President Muhammadu Buhari died on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in a London hospital after a prolonged battle with illness.
Following his death, the Federal Government declared a national mourning period and approved public holidays to honour his contributions to the nation, both as a military Head of State and as a two-term democratically elected President.
Buhari was laid to rest on the same day as the Fidda’u, Wednesday, July 16, 2025, in his hometown of Daura, according to Islamic funeral rites. The Fidda’u prayer session served as a time of reflection, remembrance, and spiritual support for the departed leader, with prayers for mercy, forgiveness, and eternal peace.
The convergence of political rivals, allies, and traditional authorities at the prayer session symbolised the unifying effect of Buhari’s legacy and the shared respect for his life of service to Nigeria.