President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday said the news of the death of the All Progressives Congress’ candidate in the inconclusive Kogi State governorship election devastated him.
Buhari who is currently attending the third Gas Exporting Countries Forum in Tehran, Iran said this in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu.
The President said he received the news with shock.
“We are obviously devastated at the loss,” the President was quoted as saying.
He described the deceased as a talented politician, a loving family head and a respected community leader.
“He was immensely courageous,” the President added.
He condoled with the family of Audu, the government and people of Kogi State as well as all APC members who stood by him in his bid return as governor.
He observed that the deceased ran as the favourite in the election as the early results showed.
Buhari prayed to Allah to repose the soul of the deceased and to give his family, the people of Kogi State and the APC members all over Nigeria the fortitude to bear the loss.