Nigeria’s 10th National Assembly has been struck by a wave of bereavements following the deaths of four serving senators since its inauguration in June 2023, casting a dark shadow over the upper legislative chamber.
As of February 20, 2026, the Senate has lost members from the South East, North Central and South South regions, prompting solemn tributes and repeated moments of silence at plenary. Senate President Godswill Akpabio has described the period as heavy for the chamber, noting that successive losses have deeply affected lawmakers across party lines.
The first casualty was Ifeanyi Ubah, who died on July 26, 2024, at the age of 52 in London. The businessman and politician, elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, was widely known as the Chief Executive Officer of Capital Oil before joining partisan politics. His death, reportedly due to cardiac arrest, drew tributes from colleagues who described him as energetic and committed to constituency development.
In November 2025, the Senate recorded another loss with the passing of Okey Ezea at the age of 62. Ezea, a lawyer and businessman elected under the Labour Party, died in Lagos after a brief illness. He was the first Labour Party senator from Enugu State in the 10th Assembly. Colleagues remembered him as outspoken and grassroots driven, with strong ties to his constituents.
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Barely six weeks later, Godiya Akwashiki passed away on December 31, 2025, at 52 following a protracted illness. Representing Nasarawa North on the Social Democratic Party platform, Akwashiki chaired the Senate Committee on Air Force and had served in the National Assembly since 2019. The Senate suspended plenary in his honour, while dignitaries gathered in Lafia for his burial.
The most recent loss came on February 19, 2026, with the death of Barinada Mpigi at the age of 64 after a prolonged illness. Mpigi, who represented Rivers South East, had a long legislative career spanning the House of Representatives and the Senate. He chaired the influential Senate Committee on Works, overseeing federal infrastructure projects nationwide. A former member of the Peoples Democratic Party who later defected to the APC, he was regarded as a seasoned lawmaker and political bridge builder. His death prompted reactions from colleagues and the Rivers State government.
The four deaths reflect a cross section of Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, with two senators from the South East, one from the North Central and one from the South South. On each occasion, the Senate observed moments of silence and adjourned proceedings to honour the departed lawmakers.
The House of Representatives has also recorded multiple deaths during the same period, including those of Hon. Ekene Adams and Hon. Olaide Akinremi, further highlighting the emotional toll on the 10th National Assembly.
Despite the losses, the Senate continues its legislative duties amid pressing national issues, with members paying tribute to their late colleagues as public servants who contributed to lawmaking, oversight and democratic governance.
