Former Presidents, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan have described the passing of Muhammadu Buhari as a heavy loss to Nigeria.
The two former Nigeria presidents spoke in separately on Sunday.
NATIONAL POST reports that Buhari passed on in London, United Kingdom after an undisclosed ailment, with activist, Omoyele Sowore claiming his death was caused by cancer.
Reacting, Obasanjo expressed sadness over his death, saying he played his role as soldier, administrator and as a statesman.
Obasanjo, reacting to his death in an interview on Sunday, said the former president left at a time where a totality of his experience was needed to run the affairs of the country.
He noted that the late president would be solely missed and prayed that God grant him Aljanah Firdaus.
Obasanjo said, “it is with a heavy heart that I received this afternoon the passing to glory of a colleague, a comrade, co-patriot, General Muhammadu Buhari, who, as a soldier he played his role as soldier; as an administrator, he played his role as an administrator; as a statesman, he played his role as a statesman.
“His demise comes at a time like this that we need the totality of the experience and what I may call statesmanship of all of those who have had opportunity to run the affairs of this country in the past to get us out of the situation we are in.
“He will be sorely missed, and may his soul respect in perfect peace.
Also reacting, Jonathan said he received the news with a heavy heart and profound sense of national loss.
"President Buhari was a notable leader, patriot, and elder statesman who served our beloved nation as both a military Head of State and President, to the best of his abilities.
"He will be remembered as a courageous leader, a disciplined officer, and a committed public servant who made considerable contributions towards the peace and progress of our dear nation.
"The late President was deeply admired across the strata of society for his decency, integrity and exemplary life of service. As a leader, he was selfless in his commitment to his duty and served the country with character and a deep sense of patriotism.
"In his passing, Nigeria has lost one of its foremost leaders, and I have lost a respected colleague and elder. His legacy will continue to endure in the hearts of all who value sacrifice, integrity, perseverance and devotion to national ethos.
"On behalf of my family and the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the good people of Katsina State and all Nigerians who mourn this great loss," Jonathan wrote in a statement he personally signed.
Buhari took over from Jonathan in 2015 and completed eight years in office.
He was aged 82.