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Senator Godiya Akwashiki, who represented Nasarawa North Senatorial District in the Nigerian Senate, has died at the age of 52 after a prolonged illness. His death marks the end of a prominent legislative career defined by sustained electoral success, constituency-focused development, and leadership roles at both state and federal levels.
The lawmaker reportedly passed away in an Indian hospital on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, where he had been undergoing medical treatment. A family source confirmed the incident on Thursday in Nassarawa Eggon, describing his death as a major loss to Nasarawa State and the political class.
Ejes Gist News reports that the late senator’s passing has sent shockwaves across Nasarawa North, with political leaders, traditional rulers, and constituents mourning the loss of a legislator widely regarded as one of the most effective representatives the zone has produced.
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Confirmation of Death and Circumstances
According to the family source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, Senator Akwashiki died following a long battle with illness. He had been receiving specialised medical care in India, a common destination for Nigerians seeking advanced treatment not readily available domestically.
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The source described the death as a “big blow” to the senatorial district, noting that Akwashiki’s absence would leave a significant leadership vacuum given his deep involvement in constituency affairs and empowerment programmes.
No official statement had been released by the family at the time of reporting regarding burial arrangements or memorial activities.
Who Was Senator Godiya Akwashiki?
Godiya Akwashiki was a seasoned Nigerian legislator and grassroots politician whose career spanned over a decade of continuous public service. He was best known for his representation of Nasarawa North Senatorial District, a zone comprising several local government areas, including Nassarawa Eggon, Akwanga, and Wamba.
Born on August 3, 1973, in Angba Iggah, Nassarawa Eggon Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Akwashiki rose from state-level politics to become one of the most electorally successful senators in the history of the district.
Educational and Early Political Background
Although comprehensive details of his academic background are limited in public records, Akwashiki was widely recognised among peers as a legislator with strong institutional understanding of parliamentary processes.
His early political career was rooted in state politics, where he built influence through legislative leadership and constituency engagement, laying the foundation for his eventual transition to national office.
Leadership Roles in Nasarawa State House of Assembly
Before his election into the National Assembly, Akwashiki served in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, where he held key leadership positions that elevated his political profile.
Positions Held at State Level
He served as:
- Majority Leader of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly
- Deputy Speaker of the Assembly
In these roles, he was involved in legislative coordination, policy debates, and oversight responsibilities, earning a reputation as a disciplined and strategic lawmaker.
Election to the Nigerian Senate
Senator Akwashiki was first elected to the Nigerian Senate in 2019, representing Nasarawa North Senatorial District under the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
His victory was considered notable, as it demonstrated the growing influence of alternative political platforms in a landscape traditionally dominated by larger parties.
Re-election in 2023 and Electoral Significance
In 2023, Akwashiki was re-elected for a second term as Senator representing Nasarawa North, a development that further cemented his political standing in the zone.
His re-election was historically significant for several reasons:
- He became one of the few senators from Nasarawa North to secure consecutive terms
- His victory reinforced sustained voter confidence in his leadership
- It underscored the strength of his grassroots political structure
Political observers noted that his ability to win re-election reflected consistent constituency engagement rather than reliance on party dominance alone.
Legislative Focus and Senate Contributions
During his time in the Senate, Akwashiki prioritised issues affecting rural and semi-urban communities in Nasarawa North.
Key Areas of Advocacy
His legislative interests were associated with:
- Rural infrastructure development
- Education and school rehabilitation projects
- Agricultural support initiatives
- Youth and women empowerment programmes
- Engagement with federal agencies to attract constituency projects
While he maintained a relatively low national media profile, he was regarded locally as an accessible and responsive senator.
Constituency Projects Across Nasarawa North
Residents across the senatorial district consistently pointed to the visibility of Akwashiki’s constituency projects as a defining feature of his tenure.
Projects attributed to his legislative periods reportedly included:
- Construction and renovation of classroom blocks
- Boreholes and water supply projects
- Distribution of empowerment materials to youths and women
- Skills acquisition and vocational training initiatives
Community leaders described his projects as spread across multiple communities within the district, reflecting deliberate constituency coverage.
Reputation Among Constituents
Supporters and associates often described Akwashiki as a purposeful leader with a constituency-first approach. His leadership style was characterised by negotiation, consistency, and regular engagement with local stakeholders.
Within Nasarawa North, he was frequently described as:
- One of the most impactful senators the zone had produced
- A lawmaker with strong grassroots connections
- A representative whose performance translated into electoral continuity
Party Affiliation and Political Context
Akwashiki’s affiliation with the Social Democratic Party (SDP) placed him among a small group of senators elected on platforms outside Nigeria’s dominant political parties.
His electoral success under the SDP banner was often cited by analysts as evidence of:
- Strong personal political capital
- Effective local mobilisation
- Growing voter openness to non-mainstream parties
His career remains relevant in discussions about political pluralism and electoral dynamics in Nigeria.
Illness and Treatment Abroad
Details of the illness that led to his death were not publicly disclosed, in keeping with family wishes. However, multiple sources confirmed that the senator had been ill for an extended period before travelling abroad for treatment.
He eventually died while receiving care in an Indian hospital, a development that reignited conversations about medical tourism among Nigerian public officials.
Reactions From Nasarawa North
News of Akwashiki’s death was met with widespread mourning across Nasarawa North.
Early reactions described him as:
- A dedicated public servant
- A consistent advocate for constituency development
- A lawmaker whose absence would be deeply felt
Political associates, party supporters, and community members were reported to be making arrangements for condolence visits to his family in Nassarawa Eggon.
Biographical Summary
Full Name: Godiya Akwashiki
Date of Birth: August 3, 1973
Place of Birth: Angba Iggah, Nassarawa Eggon LGA, Nasarawa State
Political Party: Social Democratic Party (SDP)
Political Offices Held:
- Majority Leader, Nasarawa State House of Assembly
- Deputy Speaker, Nasarawa State House of Assembly
- Senator, Nasarawa North Senatorial District (Elected 2019, Re-elected 2023)
Date of Death: December 31, 2025
Age: 52
Political Implications of His Death
The death of a sitting senator-elect with an active political structure is expected to trigger discussions around:
- Succession within the senatorial district
- Party strategies ahead of future elections
- Representation continuity for Nasarawa North
Formal announcements regarding next steps were still awaited at the time of reporting.
Place in Nasarawa State Political History
From a historical standpoint, Akwashiki’s career stands out for:
- Sustained legislative leadership from state to federal level
- Consecutive electoral victories in a competitive zone
- Emphasis on constituency-driven representation
For observers of Nasarawa State politics, his career represents a model of grassroots-anchored legislative service.
Ongoing Developments
As of the time of filing this report, official statements from the Senate, the Social Democratic Party, and the Nasarawa State Government were still expected. Burial arrangements and memorial plans are anticipated to be announced by the family in due course.
