Nigeria’s political space was thrown into mourning following the death of Senator Godiya Akwashiki, who represented Nasarawa North Senatorial District in the National Assembly. The lawmaker reportedly died in India, where he had been receiving medical treatment, at the age of 52.
Sources close to the family confirmed that Akwashiki passed away on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, after battling a prolonged illness. His death has since triggered an outpouring of grief from colleagues, constituents, and political leaders across Nasarawa State and beyond.
Akwashiki was a prominent figure in Nasarawa politics, known for his deep grassroots influence and long years of legislative experience. He was born on August 3, 1973, in Angba Iggah, Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, where he began his political journey.
Before his emergence at the national level, he served multiple terms in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, representing Nasarawa Eggon West Constituency. During his time in the state legislature, he rose through the ranks to become Majority Leader and later Deputy Speaker, earning a reputation as a skilled parliamentarian.
In 2019, Akwashiki was elected to the Nigerian Senate under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), representing Nasarawa North Senatorial District. His tenure was marked by strong constituency engagement and active participation in legislative debates.
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He made history in 2023 when he secured a second term in the Senate after defecting to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), becoming the first senator from Nasarawa North to achieve back-to-back electoral victories since the district’s creation.
While in the National Assembly, Senator Akwashiki held several strategic positions. He served as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Affairs, Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, and was later appointed Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Air Force.
Colleagues describe him as a lawmaker who combined political courage with legislative depth, often speaking on national security, governance reforms, and development issues affecting rural communities in Nasarawa State.
News of his death has continued to attract tributes from political leaders and constituents, many of whom described him as a dedicated public servant whose absence will be deeply felt in the Senate and his home state.
As of the time of filing this report, the family has yet to announce official details regarding funeral arrangements, as Nigerians await further information on plans to honour the late senator’s life and service to the nation.
