The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State, Abubakar Audu, died after the collation of results of the governorship election held in the state last Saturday.

The immediate younger brother of the former governor, who is also the Orego Attah Igala, Alhaji Tijani Audu, also revealed, on Monday, that there had been information about the death before the election.

This is just as his remains were buried at about 1.55 p.m. in a grave within his country home according to Islamic rites amid wailing by mourners.

The younger Audu, however, said contrary to insinuation that his brother died on Sunday morning, he actually passed on after the Returning Officer for the election, Professor Emmanuel Kucha, declared the election inconclusive.

Speaking with newsmen in his palace in Ogbonicha, he said the former governor listened and watched the collation of the results before he died.

He, however, said Audu lived and fought for his people and would continue to be remembered for his sacrifices and doggedness.

He said: “I was with him when the whole thing started. I was told in the morning of Saturday that he was sick and I called him to confirm but he said he was okay and would be coming to vote by 1”00 p.m. and he came without showing any sign of sickness and we went together to vote.

“But the following day (Sunday) by 10:00 a.m., I went there to see him and his children said he was having health challenges and was weak. I even advised that after the announcement of the results, he should go abroad for treatment.

“After the collation of results and no winner was announced, the next thing was that people started crying and he could not even enter his vehicle again and he died before he could be taken to the hospital.”

The younger Audu debunked the insinuation that the APC candidate might have died because of excessive drinking following his victory at the poll.

According to him, his brother did not drink alcohol, adding that he drank bottled water.

“My brother has fought a good fight, it was a fight for survival and he really fought for his people.”

However the remains of the former governor were brought out of his living room at about 1:45 p.m. for the Islamic prayers before being buried.

The burial was witnessed by the governor of Jigawa State, Abubakar Badaru; former Jigawa State governor, Saminu Turaki; former governors Lucky Igbinedion, Abdukadir Kure, Rabiu Kwakwanso and George Akume.

Others were the deputy governorship candidate, James Faleke; the senator representing Kogi West, Dino Melaiye; among others. (Nigerian Tribune)

•Photo shows late Abubakar Audu.

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