The Nigerian political landscape has lost a significant figure with the passing of Senator Godiya Akwashiki, who represented the Nasarawa North Senatorial District. The senator died at the age of 52 on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, following a protracted illness. His death was confirmed by a family source to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Nassarawa Eggon, Nasarawa State.
Senator Akwashiki passed away in a hospital in India, where he had reportedly been receiving treatment. His death marks a profound loss for his constituency, which he served from 2019 until his passing. A family member, speaking anonymously, described the senator’s death as “a big blow” that has “left a big vacuum,” citing Akwashiki’s deep commitment to the development of the senatorial zone and his various empowerment programs.
A Legacy of Purposeful Leadership and Grassroots Impact
The source’s tribute was effusive, stating, “Since in the history of Nasarawa North, Sen. Akwashiki was the best Senator the zone ever produced due to his purposeful leadership.” This sentiment was rooted in tangible achievements. He was notably the first senator from the district to be re-elected for a second term, a testament to the approval and trust he garnered from his constituents.
His legacy is described as one of visible, widespread development. “His projects [are] in every nook and cranny of the constituency,” the source said. While the original report does not detail specific projects, such a claim typically encompasses infrastructure like roads, schools, water boreholes, and health centers, as well as human capital development initiatives such as scholarships, skills acquisition programs, and support for small businesses. This grassroots-focused approach to representation distinguished his tenure.
From State Assembly to the National Stage
Senator Akwashiki’s political career was built on a foundation of legislative experience at the state level. Before his election to the Nigerian Senate in 2019 on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), he had a distinguished career in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly. There, he held two of the chamber’s most influential leadership positions: Majority Leader and Deputy Speaker. This experience would have provided him with a deep understanding of governance, lawmaking, and constituency service, which he later applied on the national stage.
Born on August 3, 1973, in Angba Iggah, Nassarawa Eggon, Godiya Akwashiki’s life and career were deeply intertwined with the community he served. His rise from local politics to the national assembly reflects a political journey dedicated to public service. His passing at the relatively young age of 52 cuts short a career that many believed held further promise for his people and the nation.
The news of his death leaves immediate questions about the political future of the Nasarawa North Senatorial District. According to Nigerian constitutional procedures, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will be required to conduct a by-election within 90 days to fill the vacant seat. This impending electoral process will unfold as the constituency mourns a leader praised for his accessibility and developmental focus.
Edited by Isaac Ukpoju
Source: News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
