A Final Curtain at 52: Nasarawa North Mourns Senator Godiya Akwashiki, a Lawmaker Many Called Irreplaceable

Nigeria’s political community has been thrown into mourning following the death of Senator Godiya Akwashiki, the lawmaker representing Nasarawa North Senatorial District under the platform of the Social Democratic Party. Akwashiki died on December 31, 2025, at the age of 52, while receiving medical treatment at a hospital in India after a prolonged illness, according to a family source who confirmed the development to the News Agency of Nigeria.

The news of his passing filtered into the country on the final day of the year, casting a somber shadow over what would ordinarily have been a moment of reflection and celebration. For many in Nasarawa North, the loss was deeply personal. Akwashiki was not just a senator in name, but a familiar presence across towns and villages, a politician whose style blended grassroots engagement with legislative ambition. As condolences poured in from colleagues, constituents, and political allies, the recurring theme was the same: Nasarawa North has lost one of its most dedicated advocates.

Family sources described his death as a significant blow to the senatorial district, pointing to his consistent focus on development and empowerment. According to the source, Akwashiki’s leadership stood out in a region often underserved by federal attention. “Senator Akwashiki was the best Senator Nasarawa North has ever produced due to his purposeful leadership. His projects are visible across the constituency and he remains the only senator from the zone to win a second term,” the source said, a statement that reflects the deep admiration he commanded among his supporters.

Born on August 3, 1973, in Angba Iggah, Nassarawa Eggon Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Akwashiki’s journey into politics was shaped by humble beginnings and a strong connection to his community. Those who knew him growing up often recall a man driven by a desire to represent his people and amplify their voices in decision-making spaces. That determination followed him into public service, where he steadily rose through the ranks of state politics before making his mark on the national stage.

Before his election to the Nigerian Senate in 2019, Akwashiki had already carved out a formidable reputation in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly. He served as Majority Leader and later as Deputy Speaker, positions that placed him at the heart of legislative leadership within the state. During his time in the Assembly, he was known for his firm grasp of parliamentary procedures and his ability to build consensus across party lines, qualities that would later define his tenure in the Senate.

His transition to the National Assembly marked a new chapter, not just for him, but for Nasarawa North as a whole. Upon assuming office as senator, Akwashiki focused on initiatives that directly affected the daily lives of his constituents. From educational support programs and youth empowerment schemes to infrastructure projects aimed at improving rural connectivity, his interventions were often cited as evidence of his hands-on approach to representation. Many of these projects, residents say, can still be seen across the senatorial district, serving as tangible reminders of his commitment.

Akwashiki’s political career was also notable for its resilience. In a political environment often characterized by shifting allegiances and short-lived mandates, he achieved what few before him from Nasarawa North had managed: securing a second term in the Senate. That victory was widely interpreted as a vote of confidence from his constituents, a reflection of their approval of his performance and accessibility as a lawmaker. Supporters frequently described him as approachable, a senator who could be reached without layers of bureaucracy, and one who listened attentively to community concerns.

News of his death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the political spectrum. Fellow lawmakers have praised his dedication, while community leaders have highlighted the gap his absence will leave in local advocacy. For many, his passing at 52 feels especially painful, not only because of his relatively young age, but because of the sense that his work was far from finished. There was a widespread belief that Akwashiki still had much to contribute, both within the Senate and beyond it.

Beyond politics, those close to him describe Akwashiki as a family man whose values were shaped by his upbringing in Nassarawa Eggon. Friends and associates say he carried his roots with pride, often drawing inspiration from the challenges faced by ordinary people in his constituency. That background, they argue, informed his legislative priorities and his insistence on empowerment initiatives that targeted youths and vulnerable groups.

His death also raises questions about the future political direction of Nasarawa North. With the seat now vacant, attention will inevitably turn to succession and representation, but for now, the dominant mood in the district is one of mourning rather than politics. Markets, community gatherings, and social spaces have been filled with conversations about his legacy, as residents recount personal encounters and the impact of his interventions on their lives.

As Nigeria reflects on the loss of Senator Godiya Akwashiki, his story stands as a reminder of the human side of public service. In a system often criticized for detachment from the people, his career offered a contrasting narrative, one rooted in visibility, engagement, and measurable impact. While debates will continue about policy and politics, there is little disagreement among those who knew his work that Nasarawa North has lost a representative who genuinely sought to make a difference.

With his passing on the eve of a new year, many see a poignant symbolism in the timing, the end of one chapter just as another begins. For his family, constituents, and colleagues, the task ahead will be to preserve and build upon the legacy he leaves behind. Though his voice has been silenced, the projects, reforms, and lives he touched continue to speak, ensuring that Senator Godiya Akwashiki’s imprint on Nasarawa North and Nigeria’s political landscape will not be easily forgotten.