Popular Nigerian Senator is Dead [Photo]

A popular Nigerian Senator is dead.

Philips News reports that Senator Barinada Mpigi, who represented Rivers South-East Senatorial District, has died at the age of 64.

The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, Akin Alabi, confirmed the sad development in a tribute post on his official X handle on Thursday, February 19, 2026.

He wrote, “Good night my dear friend. Rest in Peace, Senator Mpigi Barinada. Sen Mpigi represented Rivers South East in the Senate”.

Mpigi, who served as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, reportedly passed away on Thursday after a brief illness. The exact cause and place of death had not been officially disclosed as of press time, though family sources confirmed that relatives are mourning his loss.

A report filed by Vanguard Newspaper quoted a source as saying that the senator had been flown abroad for brain surgery after being diagnosed with a brain tumour; however, the claim had not been independently verified.

Until his death, Mpigi was regarded as a strong ally of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

The late lawmaker hailed from Tai Local Government Area, in the Ogoni ethnic nationality of Rivers State. He previously served two terms in the House of Representatives, representing the Eleme/Tai/Oyigbo Federal Constituency.

Senator Mpigi was a member of both the 9th and 10th Senates, serving in the current assembly until his demise.

A source who confirmed the development on condition of anonymity described the news as shocking.

“We are shocked over this news. I am short of words. I don’t know what to say. We are in pain,” the source said.

Details on the circumstances surrounding his unfortunate death could not be ascertained at press time.