President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed sadness over the death of Hamza Usman Darma, a prominent politician and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Kano State.

Darma, aged 76, died in Kano on Friday following a brief illness. His funeral prayers were held on Saturday at his residence in Hororo, near the Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria in Kano, after which he was buried.

Tinubu, in a condolence message, described the deceased as a personal friend, an honest and sincere politician, and a committed member of the APC.

The President said Darma made significant contributions to the development of Kano State as well as the growth of the progressive political movement and the APC.

Tinubu recalled his longstanding relationship with Darma, noting that he had known him as an honest and sincere person since their paths crossed.

He also paid tribute to Darma’s devotion to Islam and his commitment to observing his religious obligations.

The President described the death as a major loss to Darma’s family, political associates, Kano State and the APC.

Tinubu extended his condolences to the deceased’s family, political associates, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and members of the APC in the state.

He prayed that the family would receive comfort during the period of mourning and asked Allah to grant the late Darma eternal rest.