APC Chieftain Jesutega Onokpasa Dies At 49

Jesutega Onokpasa, a well-known lawyer, political commentator, and prominent figure within Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has passed away.

The lawyer and prominent political commentator died on Monday.

Announcing his demise on his X account on Tuesday, a pro-APC crusader, Okezie Atani, said the prominent political commentator was survived by his wife and children.

He wrote, “We lost Barr. Jesutega Onokpasa, may his soul rest in perfect peace.”

The circumstances surrounding his death were yet to be disclosed as of the time of filing this report.

Onokpasa was widely recognised for his fiery political commentary and active role within the APC. He served as a member of the party’s Publicity Committee and played a significant part in the APC Presidential Campaign Council during the 2023 general elections.

He gained national attention in 2024 following a heated exchange with Arise News Channel host Rufai Oseni, a moment that thrust him further into the public spotlight and solidified his status as a staunch defender of the Tinubu-led administration.

However, in a surprising turn of events earlier this year, Onokpasa publicly distanced himself from President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, declaring that he would not support the President’s re-election bid in 2027.

Despite remaining a card-carrying member of the APC, he cited worsening insecurity, deepening economic hardship, and what he described as the administration’s failure to recognize and reward loyal party members and core supporters.

His recent criticism of the government marked a dramatic shift in tone from a man once regarded as one of the administration’s most vocal supporters.

Tributes and reactions have begun pouring in from political associates, colleagues, and members of the public, many expressing shock over the news of his passing.