Nigeria’s top political and religious leaders gathered in Daura on Wednesday, July 16, for the Fidau prayer in honour of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday in a London hospital and was buried on Tuesday in his hometown.
Leading the delegation was Vice President Kashim Shettima, alongside Governors Babagana Zulum of Borno and Dikko Radda of Katsina.
Other prominent figures at the prayer included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Anambra Governor and 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi.
The solemn event brought together high-ranking officials, past leaders, and traditional rulers from across the country. Attendees included:
Former Katsina Governor Aminu Bello Masari
NDLEA DG Buba Marwa
Emir of Daura, HRH Faruk Umar Faruk
Former Army Chief Yusuf Tukur Buratai
Former Justice Minister Abubakar Malami
Former Communications Minister Isa Pantami
Senator Abdul Aziz Yar’Adua
Former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika
Former NIA DG Ahmad Rufa’i
Katsina Deputy Governor Faruk Jobe
The Fidau prayer, led by Imam Yazid, began around 12:34 p.m. at a packed prayer ground in Daura. The service featured Qur’an recitations, supplications for the late president, and charitable acts performed on his behalf, in accordance with Islamic tradition.
Prayers were also offered for national unity, economic relief, particularly reduction in food prices, and for divine guidance for Nigeria’s leaders.
In Islam, Fidau—also referred to as Fidyah—is a religious prayer and charity observed in memory of the deceased, typically held on the 3rd, 8th, 40th, 100th day, or annually.
It is a way to honour the dead and seek Allah’s forgiveness and mercy on their behalf.
President Bola Tinubu attended the burial in Daura on Tuesday, joining family and political allies to lay the former president to rest.
The gathering in Daura served not only as a farewell to a former head of state but also as a call for national healing, unity, and compassion in difficult times.
