Senior leaders of Nigeria's Social Democratic Party (SDP) gathered in a somber mood on Monday, 5th January 2026, to receive the remains of their late colleague, Senator Godiya Akwashiki, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
A Somber Reception for a Fallen Soldier
The body of the senator, who passed away in an Indian hospital the previous Wednesday, was met by a high-powered delegation from his party. The gathering included the SDP's 2023 presidential flagbearer, Prince Adewole Adebayo, and former Governor of Nasarawa State, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura. They were joined by several federal lawmakers and party supporters to pay their respects.
Senator Akwashiki, aged 52, represented the Nasarawa North Senatorial District in the 10th National Assembly under the SDP platform. Following the brief airport ceremony, his remains were transported to the National Hospital in Abuja for necessary procedures before the final journey home.
Tributes Pour In for a Respected Legislator
Addressing journalists, Prince Adewole Adebayo painted a picture of a man deeply valued within and beyond his political circle. He described Akwashiki's death as a significant blow to his family, Nasarawa State, and the entire nation. "We have lost one of our soldiers," Adebayo stated emotionally, highlighting the late senator's cross-party respect and impeccable reputation.
"He was a gentleman of the highest calibre. The consolation is that he left a good name behind," Adebayo added, warning that the vacuum created would adversely affect both the SDP and the quality of representation for Nasarawa North.
Jonathan Gbefwi, Chairman of the House Committee on Solid Minerals, echoed the sentiment, calling the loss heartbreaking. He praised Akwashiki as a seasoned lawmaker, wonderful father, and fantastic husband who had left an "indelible mark on the sands of time." Gbefwi also noted the profound impact on the senator's Egon community, which is reeling from the loss of several prominent figures in a short period.
Party and State in Mourning
Responding to queries about the absence of serving senators at the reception, Gbefwi clarified that the National Assembly was on recess, with many lawmakers traveling outside the country. He emphasized that "at times of grief, it is about family," stressing that prayer and support for the bereaved were paramount.
The Acting National Chairman of the SDP, Sadiq Gombe, expressed the party's profound sadness, framing the death as a loss to Nasarawa State, the SDP's national structure, and Nigerian democracy as a whole.
Danadi Jato, the Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, shared a personal bond, having served with Akwashiki in the state assembly between 2011 and 2015. He remembered the late senator as a hardworking and dedicated legislator.
Senator Godiya Akwashiki, a native of Angba Iggah in the Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area, began his national political journey with his first election to the Senate in 2019. He secured re-election in 2023. His political career included significant roles such as Majority Leader and Deputy Speaker in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, cementing his legacy as a committed public servant.
