The interim National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, on Sunday mourned the immediate past President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a hero, an uncommon patriot, and a selfless leader.

Mr Mark, in a statement by his Media Adviser, Paul Mumeh in Abuja said that Mr Buhari passed away at the critical time when his fatherly advice was most needed to navigate through the murky water of the nation’s leadership.

“Nigeria has lost a hero, an uncommon patriot and a selfless leader who gave his all for the good of our nation,” he said.

Mr Mark added that the greatest sacrifice which would be difficult to fault was Mr Buhari’s love for this country, particularly, her unity.

“It is sad that President Buhari transited to the great beyond at this time, but we are consoled that his legacy of keeping the nation united will endure,” he added.

Mr Mark was military Governor of Niger between 1984 and 1986 under Mr Buhari as Military Head of state.

Former President Buhari, who was twice elected Nigeria’s President in 2015 and 2019, passed away on Sunday in London.

He also served as military head of state between January 1984 and August 1985.

Also, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the former President.

He described the late leader as “a patriot, a reformer, and a moral compass who stood firm for justice, discipline, and the poor.”

In a solemn tribute issued on Sunday in Kaduna, Mr Sani said the death of Mr Buhari marked the end of an era in Nigeria’s political and moral leadership, calling it a personal and national loss.

“Kaduna State mourns this great son of Nigeria. To us, he was more than a leader he was a father figure, a steady voice in times of uncertainty, and a symbol of what public service should represent,” the Governor said.

Mr Sani praised the former president’s life-long dedication to the Nigerian people, from his days in military service to his democratic leadership.

“Though a military General, he chose the difficult path of democratic reinvention.

“He taught us that strength lies not only in command but in character. He remained grounded in humility, justice, and fairness always aligning himself with the hopes of the ordinary Nigerian,” he added.

The governor stated that Mr Buhari’s anti corruption stance, simplicity, and principled lifestyle left an enduring mark on Nigerian governance, and inspired a new generation of public servants.

“His fight against corruption and insistence on accountability redefined the moral expectations of public life.

“He lived with quiet dignity, deep faith, and unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s unity and progress,” Mr Sani said.

He extended his condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the Buhari family, the people of Katsina State, and all Nigerians who now “share in this moment of collective grief.”

He also prayed for Almighty Allah to grant the former president eternal rest in Aljannatul Firdaus and to comfort the bereaved.

“Nigeria has lost a statesman. History has gained a legend,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, the APC and PDP in Lagos State have extended their condolences to the family, friends of Mr Buhari and the entire nation on his passing.

Reacting the APC, in a statement on Sunday by its Publicity Secretary, Seye Oladejo, said that that Mr Buhari’s virtue of discipline would not be easily forgotten in the country’s annals.

“We join millions of Nigerians in mourning a leader who dedicated his life to the service of our country.

“President Buhari’s legacy of discipline, integrity, and unwavering commitment to national development will forever remain etched in our collective memory.

“From his early years as a military officer to his tenure as a democratically elected president, Buhari’s love for Nigeria was evident in his steadfast efforts to combat corruption, restore security, and reposition our economy for long-term growth.

“The Lagos APC recognises and honours his immense contributions to the progress of our party and the advancement of democracy in Nigeria,” Mr Oladejo said.

He said that Mr Buhari’s leadership inspired a generation, and his absence would be deeply felt across the political landscape.

“As we grieve this monumental loss, we pray for comfort and strength for his family and all who knew and admired him. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”

Similarly, Sunday Olaifa, the PDP Deputy Chairman (Lagos West), who expressed the party’s condolences to his family and the nation, said that the former president contributed its quota to the development of the country.

Also, pominent Nigerians and global figures have taken to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express their grief and pay tribute, following the death of the former President.

The social media platforms of the prominent personalities were monitored by the News Agency on Nigeria (NAN)

Reno Omokri, former aide to President Goodluck Jonathan, wrote on his official handle: “From God we came and to Him we return. My family and I pray that Almighty God grants President Muhammadu Buhari al-Jannah Firdaus.

“May his sins be forgiven, and may As-Sami (The All-Hearing) grant his family the fortitude to bear their loss.

“He served Nigeria in peace time and war and left a legacy that was worthy of emulation in many areas,” he said.

Mufti Ismail Menk, renowned Islamic scholar and motivational speaker, also expressed his grief.

“The passing of a legend, former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, may Allah have mercy on his soul, brought me to tears!

“He was an upright man who never missed his prayers and a very disciplined believer who served his people to the best of his ability.

“His name was synonymous with integrity.

“May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him the highest ranks of Jannah. Aameen,” he prayed.

Abubakar Malami, former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, wrote: “With a heavy heart, I join the nation in mourning the passing of His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, a father, mentor, and a towering figure whose life was defined by service, sacrifice, and unwavering integrity.

Mr Malami said, Mr Buhari’s legacy of transparency, patriotism, and uncompromising honesty will continue to shape national conscience for years to come.

Ajuri Ngelale, a former spokesperson of President Bola Tinubu, tweeted, that Mr Buhari was his first boss in public service.

Mr Ngelale who described Mr Buhari as “a man of structure, method, and discipline” added that his legacies in infrastructure, oil & gas reform, defence, and social investment will stand the test of time.

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“I shall forever be proud of our association. May his soul rest in perfect peace,” he said.

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State also shared his condolences:

“I received with deep sorrow the news of the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

“Buhari was a great leader who served Nigeria with commitment and a deep sense of duty,” he said.

Farooq Kperogi, political commentator and Mr Buhari critic, offered a sober reflection:

“I vigorously disagreed with many of his policies, but news of his passing evokes an inexplicable sense of loss.

“Death reminds us of our shared fragility.

“Today is not for bitterness but for solemn reflection and empathy with his family. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un,” he said.

Mr Buhari served as Nigeria’s President from 2015 to 2023 and previously as a Military Head of State from 1983 to 1985.(NAN)