Leaders of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and officials of the Nasarawa state government on Monday received the remains of Godiya Akwashiki, senator representing Nasarawa north, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
Among those present were Adewole Adebayo, SDP presidential candidate in the 2023 elections; Tanko Al-Makura, former Nasarawa governor; Labaran Maku, former minister of information; Danadi Jatau, speaker of the Nasarawa state house of assembly; Sadiq Gombe, acting national chairman of the SDP; and Jonathan Gbefwi, a member of the house of representatives.
Akwashiki died on December 31, 2025, at an Indian hospital at the age of 52.
The atmosphere at the airport was sombre as party leaders, lawmakers and supporters paid tributes to the late senator.
Adebayo described Akwashiki as one of the SDP’s strongest pillars, saying his death was a devastating loss to the party, Nasarawa state and the country.
“We have lost one of our strongest soldiers. We are devastated, especially for the family. You saw Mrs Akwashiki here — completely heartbroken,” Adebayo said.
“We know how the Eggon nation feels. We know how the senatorial district feels. We know how the whole state feels.
“He was a perfect gentleman. The only consolation is that he left behind a good name, which is far better than many who are alive but have already lost theirs. He was a great man.
According to him, Akwashiki enjoyed the confidence of his constituents and the respect of colleagues across party lines.
“He was a great Christian, a great family man and a good senator. If he had lived another 30 years, people would still have considered that seat as his.
“For us in the SDP, we don’t have many like him. Losing one of our strongest is a huge loss. That is why we all came, wherever we were, to receive him and stand with the family.
Also speaking, Gbefwi described Akwashiki’s death as heartbreaking and a great loss to Nasarawa state.
“He has left his indelible mark in the sands of time. He was a seasoned legislator, a wonderful father and a fantastic husband. It is a great loss to the state,” he said.
Gbefwi prayed that the tragedy would strengthen unity within the party and the state, while lamenting the pain felt by the Eggon nation.
“Last year was terrible for them, with the loss of notable persons and youths. We pray God grants them the fortitude to bear this loss,” he said.
Gombe said the SDP was deeply saddened by the death of the lawmaker.
“It is a great loss not only to his constituency and Nasarawa state, but to the entire SDP family and Nigeria at this critical period of our democracy,” he said.
He added that the turnout at the airport cut across party lines, reflecting the late senator’s wide acceptance.
Jatau described Akwashiki’s death as a huge blow to Nasarawa state and the country.
“We served together in the state assembly from 2011 to 2015, when he was deputy speaker. He later became the first person to be elected twice as senator from Nasarawa north,” he said.
Jato praised the late senator’s performance in office, saying the state was in deep pain over the loss.
“He was a performing senator who exceeded expectations. We are in deep pain, especially the Eggon people. This is a very great loss,” he said.
