The Nigerian Senator, Godiya Akwashiki has died at the age of 52, his family confirmed on Thursday, 1st of January, 2026, sending waves of grief across Nasarawa State and the National Assembly. The lawmaker, who represented the Nasarawa North Senatorial District in the Nigerian Senate, passed away on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, in a hospital in India, where he had been receiving treatment for a protracted illness.
Family sources, speaking to journalists on condition of anonymity, said that Akwashiki’s death was a “big blow” and noted that his work and leadership had left a lasting impact on his constituency.
“Since in the history of Nasarawa North, Sen. Akwashiki was the best Senator Nasarawa North ever produced due to his purposeful leadership,” a family source told newsmen.
“His projects are in every nook and cranny of the constituency as he was the only Senator that re-contested and won for a second term in the zone.”
Therefore, he was born on August 3, 1973, in Angba Iggah village, Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area, Akwashiki began his political journey in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly. There, he served multiple terms, rising to prominence as Majority Leader and later Deputy Speaker before his elevation to the Senate.
In 2019, he was first elected to the Senate under the All Progressives Congress (APC) and, in an unusual feat in his zone’s political history, was re-elected in 2023 under the Social Democratic Party (SDP), making him the only senator from Nasarawa North to secure two consecutive terms.
In the National Assembly, Akwashiki held key committee positions, including Chairman of the Senate Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Affairs and Vice Chairman of the Committee on Media and Public Affairs, and was later appointed Chairman of the Senate Committee on Air Force in August 2023.
His colleagues and political associates have praised Akwashiki for his deep grassroots connection, his focus on infrastructure, rural development, and constituency empowerment programmes, and his reputation as a unifying figure across ethnic and political lines.
Following the news of his passing, prominent figures in Nigeria’s political landscape expressed shock and sorrow.
Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, speaking on behalf of himself and the people of Nasarawa West, described Akwashiki as a “committed patriot” whose contributions to governance and community development would be deeply missed.
“His contributions to governance and community development will remain indelible,” Wadada said in a public condolence message, adding that Akwashiki’s leadership brought respect and unity across political and ethnic divides.
“May Almighty God grant us all the fortitude to bear this great and irreparable loss, and may the gentle soul of Senator Godiya Akwashiki rest in perfect peace.
Local leaders, constituents, and civic groups have similarly expressed their condolences, describing his death as a significant loss not only to Nasarawa State but to Nigeria’s democratic project.
Senator Akwashiki had been battling illness for an extended period, reportedly undergoing medical treatment in Nigeria, the United Kingdom, and later in India, where he ultimately passed away. Specific details about the nature of his illness have not been publicly disclosed.
At the time of reporting, details of funeral arrangements and any national or state honours to be accorded the late senator had yet to be announced by his family or the Nasarawa State Government. In line with parliamentary practice, arrangements for his replacement in the Senate are also expected to follow established constitutional procedures.
Senator Godiya Akwashiki is survived by his wife and children, as well as a broad network of political and community allies who have pledged to honour his legacy.
