President Muhammadu Buhari, who is attending the Third Gas Exporting Countries Forum in Tehran, Iran, says he has received the news of the death of Alhaji Abubakar Audu, the All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate in the inconclusive Kogi State governorship election with an enormous sense of shock. “We are obviously devastated at the loss,” said the President in an immediate response to the news.

President Buhari described the late Abubakar Audu as a talented politician, a loving family head and a respected community leader. “He was immensely courageous,” the President added.

A spokesman for the President, Garba Shehu, who released the statement, said: “President Buhari condoles with the family of the late governor, the government and people of Kogi state as well as all our party members, men and women who stood with Audu in his bid return as Governor. He ran as the favorite in the election as the early results have clearly shown.”

President Buhari prayed to Allah to repose the soul of Governor Audu, and to give his family, the people of Kogi State and the APC members all over Nigeria the fortitude to bear this loss.

•Photo shows late Abubakar Audu.