The national chairman of the African Democratic Congress, Senator David Mark, has lamented the death of retired Abdullahi Mohammed.

Mr Mohammed was the chief of staff to former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

He was reported dead on Wednesday after a brief illness.

Mr Mark said that Mr Mohammed was a seasoned military officer, astute administrator, and exemplary public servant whose career spanned several decades of dedicated service to the nation.

The deceased served with “distinction” as chief of staff to the president from 1999 to 2007.

He played a pivotal role in the coordination of government policies and the consolidation of Nigeria’s democratic governance in the early years of the Fourth Republic.”

Mr Mark stated that before Mr Mohammed’s appointment as chief of staff to Mr Obasanjo, he held various key positions in the Nigerian Armed Forces and in national security architecture, where he was widely respected for his discipline, professionalism, and deep commitment to national unity.

He said he received the news of Mr Mohammed’s death with deep sorrow, describing him as “a patriot who gave his all in service to the nation and helped to lay the foundations for Nigeria’s democratic renewal at a critical period in our history”.

Mr Mark extended his condolences to the bereaved family, Obasanjo, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and the people of Kwara.

(NAN)