A popular Arewa influencer on X has spoken out in defense of Peter Obi, following criticism from some Northerners who were upset that the former presidential candidate didn’t attend the burial of late President Muhammadu Buhari.

The backlash started when an X user, @WASPAPPING, posted shortly after the funeral ceremony in Daura, Katsina State, on July 15. The user called out Obi, accusing him of disrespect for not being present at the event.

However, in a response that quickly gained attention, another well-known Arewa X user, @ibrahim_mikayi, challenged the outrage. He pointed out that several other prominent Northern leaders were also absent from the funeral, yet Obi was the only one being blamed. According to him, if Obi had gone to the burial, the same people might have accused him of trying to use the occasion for political advantage.

Mikayi’s defense of Obi sparked broader discussions on X about double standards and how public figures, especially those from outside the region, are often unfairly criticized no matter what they do.

This reaction highlights the deep political and regional tensions that still influence public opinion in Nigeria.