Senator Barinada Mpigi Passes Away, Fourth Lawmaker Lost in Current Assembly
Senator Barinada Mpigi, representing the Rivers South-East senatorial district, has tragically passed away at the age of 64. His death on Thursday, February 19, 2026, marks him as the latest sitting senator to die since the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly following the 2023 general elections.
Political Career and Legacy of Senator Mpigi
Born on June 23, 1961, Barinada Mpigi began his legislative career as a member of the House of Representatives, serving terms in 2011 and 2015. He was first elected to the Senate in 2019 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) banner and successfully secured re-election in 2023. During the ninth National Assembly, Senator Mpigi chaired the joint Senate committee tasked with investigating oil theft in the Niger Delta region, demonstrating his commitment to addressing critical national issues.
Three Previous Senatorial Deaths in the 10th Assembly
Senator Mpigi's passing follows the deaths of three other senators since the current assembly began its term. Below is the detailed list of lawmakers who have died earlier:
- Senator Ifeanyi Ubah (Anambra South): Died at age 52 on Saturday, July 27, 2025, following a brief illness at a London hospital. Initially elected under the Young Progressive Party (YPP) in 2019 and re-elected in 2023, he later defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Ubah had previously contested the 2014 Anambra governorship election and was planning to run again in 2025.
- Senator Okey Ezea (Enugu North): Passed away on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, while receiving medical treatment in the United Kingdom. Elected on the Labour Party platform, he was the sole National Assembly member from Enugu state representing that party.
- Senator Godiya Akwashiki (Nasarawa North): Died at age 52 on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at a hospital in India after a prolonged illness. A member of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), he was first elected in 2019 and re-elected, making him the only senator from Nasarawa North to achieve two consecutive terms since the state's creation.
Impact on Nigerian Legislature
The loss of four senators within three years of the 10th National Assembly's term highlights significant challenges facing the Nigerian political landscape. Each lawmaker brought unique experience and representation to their constituencies, with their deaths creating vacancies that will require by-elections or appointments to fill. The Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, previously described Senator Ubah as an indefatigable advocate, reflecting the caliber of legislators lost.
These deaths occur against a backdrop of ongoing political activities, including defections between parties and preparations for future elections. The circumstances of their passing—ranging from brief illnesses to prolonged medical treatments abroad—also raise questions about healthcare access for public officials.
As the National Assembly continues its legislative duties, the absence of these senators will be felt in committee work, constituency representation, and parliamentary debates. Their contributions, particularly in areas like oil theft investigation and regional advocacy, leave a void in Nigeria's democratic processes.
