SDP Presidential Candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, and other political leaders receive the remains of late Senator Godiya Akwashiki at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

The Presidential Candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has described the death of Distinguished Senator Godiya Akwashiki as a devastating loss to Nasarawa State, the SDP, and the nation at large.
Prince Adebayo stated this while receiving the remains of the late lawmaker at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

He said the sight of the Senator’s widow and the sombre atmosphere among the Eggon Nation, Nasarawa Central District, and the entire state reflected the deep pain occasioned by his passing.

He described the late Senator as a perfect gentleman, a devoted Christian, a loving family man, and a committed lawmaker who enjoyed the confidence and trust of his constituents. According to him, Senator Akwashiki left behind a good name and an enduring legacy of service, adding that his contributions to governance and legislative excellence would be remembered for generations.
Prince Adebayo noted that the death of Senator Akwashiki was not only a setback for the SDP but also a loss to the quality of legislation and politics in Nigeria, describing him as one of the strongest voices within the party and the National Assembly. He added that the presence of leaders across party lines, including former governors and senior legislators, underscored the late Senator’s far-reaching impact beyond partisan politics.
While acknowledging the weight of the loss, he said the party had accepted it as the will of God, stressing that SDP members across the country had come out in solidarity with the family and the people of Nasarawa State in their moment of grief. He prayed for the repose of the Senator’s soul and asked God to grant the family, the Eggon Nation, Nasarawa State, and Nigerians the strength to bear the loss.
Earlier, the Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Dr. Danladi Jatau, described the death of Senator Godiya Akwashiki as a great loss to Nasarawa State and Nigeria. He said the late Senator was an outstanding lawmaker whose contributions to governance and development were remarkable.
Dr. Jatau recalled serving with Senator Akwashiki in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly between 2011 and 2015, noting that the late Senator later returned to the House as Deputy Speaker. He added that Senator Akwashiki made history as the first person from the Nasarawa North Senatorial Zone to be elected twice to the Senate, describing him as a dedicated and performing legislator. According to him, the loss was particularly painful for young people who looked up to the late Senator as a mentor and leader.
On his part, the Acting National Chairman of the SDP, Dr. Abubakar Sadiq Gombe, described the death of Senator Akwashiki as a painful and irreparable loss to the party, Nasarawa State, and the nation. He said the party was deeply saddened by the passing of the Senator, whom he described as a committed party man and a strong pillar of Nigeria’s democracy.
Dr. Gombe noted that the loss was felt not only by the immediate family and the people of Nasarawa State but also by the entire SDP family nationwide, especially at a critical time in Nigeria’s democratic journey. He added that the presence of leaders from different political parties at the event showed that Senator Akwashiki’s contributions cut across party lines, stressing that his death was a national loss.
Also speaking, the Chairman, House Committee on Solid Minerals, Hon. Jonathan Gbefwi-Gaza, described the death of Senator Godiya Akwashiki as sudden and heartbreaking, saying it was a great loss to Nasarawa State, the Eggon Nation, and Nigeria. He said the late Senator left an indelible mark as a seasoned legislator, devoted family man, and respected leader, noting that the presence of past and present leaders who worked with him was a testament to the impact of his service.
Hon. Gbefwi-Gaza added that although the loss was painful, prayers were being offered for the tragedy to strengthen and unite the party and the people of Nasarawa State, particularly the Eggon Nation, which he said had suffered several losses in recent times. Addressing concerns over the absence of Senate representation at the event, he explained that the Senate was on recess and that official notifications were sent late, while many senators were out of the country.
He stressed that moments of grief were about family and unity, adding that the political family, immediate family, and the people of Nasarawa State were adequately represented. He prayed for the repose of the late Senator’s soul and asked God to grant the family, the Eggon Nation, and Nigerians the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
The remains of the late Senator Godiya Akwashiki were later deposited at the National Hospital, Abuja.