APC Chieftain Jesutega Onokpasa Reportedly Dead at 49

In a sudden and tragic development that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political landscape, Jesutega Onokpasa, a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and a well-known political commentator, has reportedly passed away. The death occurred on Monday, sources confirmed, although further details surrounding the circumstances remain unclear at the time of this report. A respected figure within political and legal circles, Onokpasa's passing has left many in mourning and ignited a wave of reactions from party members, political analysts, and citizens nationwide.

The news of his death was met with immediate disbelief by many, as Onokpasa was a regular face on Nigerian television, known for his sharp legal insights and passionate defense of the APC and its policies. As a lawyer, he earned a reputation for being articulate, forthright, and uncompromising in his views. His commentary, which often made headlines, was both respected and controversial in equal measure, depending on the political leanings of the audience. Yet, even among his critics, his intellect and dedication to public discourse were rarely questioned.

Jesutega Onokpasa, who was in his late 40s, had long been regarded as a loyal and unflinching supporter of President Bola Tinubu and the APC. He was not only a legal practitioner but also a consistent voice in national conversations on governance, federalism, the rule of law, and party politics. As one of the more visible and vocal public intellectuals aligned with the APC, his contributions often shaped narratives in mainstream and social media, especially during election seasons.

While the exact cause of death has not been officially disclosed, early unconfirmed reports suggest he died suddenly, with some indicating it may have been due to health complications. His family has yet to issue a formal statement, and efforts are ongoing to confirm the details of his passing. Friends and colleagues close to him have expressed shock, many describing him as active and vibrant just days before his reported death.

Reactions have begun to pour in from various corners of the Nigerian political space. A close associate of Onokpasa, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described him as a "fearless patriot whose commitment to the APC project was total." The source continued, “Jesutega was not just a legal brain; he was a visionary who saw politics as a tool for national development. He may have rubbed some people the wrong way with his bluntness, but you could never accuse him of dishonesty.”

Another APC figure, speaking to journalists on Monday evening, said the party had lost “one of its brightest minds” and expressed condolences to his family and constituents. “His contributions to the party, especially during trying times, cannot be overemphasized. Jesutega was a warrior in the intellectual space, always ready to defend the party even when it was unpopular to do so. This is a huge loss.”

Onokpasa rose to prominence during the Goodluck Jonathan administration, where he began to establish himself as a fierce critic of the then ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP). He gained traction among APC supporters for his ability to articulate complex political and legal issues in accessible terms, often appearing on major news networks and writing op-eds in widely read newspapers. His loyalty to the APC deepened with the emergence of President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015, and he became an even more consistent fixture on national media during the transition from Buhari to Tinubu.

Despite his fierce partisanship, Onokpasa was also known for advocating institutional reform and the strengthening of Nigeria’s democracy. He frequently spoke about the need for constitutional restructuring, devolution of powers, and rule-based governance. While many of his critics accused him of overlooking the APC’s shortcomings, he maintained that constructive engagement and staying within the party to push for change was a more effective path than defection or passive opposition.

Onokpasa’s death comes at a time when the APC is navigating turbulent waters both internally and externally. With various power blocs jostling for influence, especially in the wake of economic challenges and growing public dissatisfaction, the absence of a strong voice like his leaves a noticeable vacuum. His role in defending the party’s record and presenting its vision to the Nigerian public was substantial. He had become a bridge between the intellectual arm of the party and its political machinery, making his death even more significant.

His last known public appearance was reportedly at a televised panel discussion aired just last week, where he spoke passionately about national security and the rule of law. Clad in his trademark traditional attire and armed with legal references, he made a compelling argument in defense of recent government policies, even as he acknowledged the pain of many Nigerians. That appearance, which is now being widely shared on social media, is being viewed by many as a final reflection of his commitment to both his profession and his political ideals.

Social media has been flooded with tributes, with hashtags such as #RIPOnokpasa and #Jesutega trending on X (formerly Twitter). Prominent journalists, political commentators, and even some opposition figures have expressed their condolences, acknowledging that while he may have been politically divisive, he was undeniably impactful.

His death also highlights the unpredictable nature of life in Nigeria’s demanding political terrain, where many public figures juggle relentless schedules, intense pressure, and the emotional toll of being constantly in the spotlight. For those who knew him personally, Jesutega Onokpasa was not just a political figure; he was a son, a father, a mentor, and a friend. His passing is being felt not only in the corridors of power but also in the legal community and among young Nigerians who saw in him a model of civic engagement.

Plans for a memorial or funeral have yet to be announced, but several APC stakeholders have already begun pushing for the party to formally honor his memory. There are also calls for a special parliamentary session or tribute from the legal community in recognition of his contributions.

As the nation processes this loss, Jesutega Onokpasa’s legacy as a bold, intelligent, and committed advocate for his beliefs will undoubtedly endure. Whether one agreed with his politics or not, his voice was one that helped define the contours of Nigeria’s democratic conversation. His sudden silence leaves behind echoes that may long resonate in Nigeria’s political and legal discourse.