‘A Life That Preached Our Shared Humanity’ — Obi Pays Tribute to Abdullahi

Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has mourned the death of Imam Abubakar Abdullahi, describing him as a man whose life “exemplified our shared humanity.”

Obi shared his tribute on his X handle on Friday, stating, “I learned of the death of Imam Abubakar Abdullahi, a man whose life exemplified our shared humanity.

“Nigeria honours a soul who rose above hatred and division by opening his home and mosque to save lives in times of need,” Obi wrote.

“He reminded us that the truest expression of faith is the protection of human dignity.”

Obi urged Nigerians to celebrate, rather than merely mourn, the late Imam, who “transformed his life into a powerful lesson, showing us that we are strongest when we recognise one another first as human beings, regardless of religion or tribe.”

He added that Imam Abdullahi’s legacy encourages the nation to embrace “love, unity, and peaceful coexistence.”

Highlighting the Imam’s courage, Obi noted, “We honour this great soul because he understood that true leadership is not found in the exercise of power but in the exercise of mercy.

At a time when the shadows of division loomed large due to the abuse of our faith, he stood as a beacon of light, reminding us that the core of Islam is peace and the protection of the vulnerable.”

Obi prayed for the nation and the late Imam, saying, “May Allah grant us the vision to create the new Nigeria of our dreams, where leadership is based on competence, capacity, and compassion.

“May his soul find eternal peace in the Gardens of Jannah, and may we carry forward the torch of radical compassion.”

According to reports, Imam Abubakar Abdullahi of Nghar village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, who protected 262 Christians during a crisis, passed away Thursday night at Plateau Specialist Hospital in Jos.