The People’s Democratic Party, PDP, candidate for Pengana Constituency in Plateau State House of Assembly, Matthew Akawu has died, IGBERETV reports.
It was gathered that Akawu died in a hospital on Friday morning January 6, 2023 after a brief illness.
A family source told newsmen the candidate fell sick after returning from a traditional festival in Bassa Local Government Area of the State on Wednesday.
“It’s true that we lost the PDP candidate this Friday morning. He went for their traditional festival in Bassa and came back. But shortly afterwards, he fell sick and complained of chest pain.” the source said.
The Publicity Secretary of PDP in the State, John Akans, confirmed the demise of the candidate to newsmen.
“Yes we are aware of the death of our candidate for Pengana State Assembly constituency but the party will issue a statement on that, that’s all I can tell you,” he said.
The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Plateau State Chapter, Hon. Chris Hassan have also expressed shock over the sudden demise of Akawu.
A statement signed by Kefas Sumdi, his Personal Assistant on Media and Protocol, Hassan described the death of late Akawu Mathew as sudden and tragic.
“Akawu was very patriotic, a loyal and resourceful party man, who made immense contributions towards the stability, growth and success of the party in Pengana, Bassa and the State at large,” je said.
“Akawu death is a big blow to the PDP especially at this time his experience, commitment and sense of humility is needed to steer the party to victory in his constituency, Bassa and in an effort to rescue Plateau from the misrule of the All Progressive Congress,”
The Chairman commiserated with the Akawu’s family, friends, associates of the deceased, his supporters, the PDP family in Pengana, Bassa and the State Chapter.
The deceased at the festival on Wednesday
PDP’s Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar took to Facebook to mourn Akawu. He wrote;
“I’m saddened by reports of the loss of PDP House of Assembly candidate for Pengana Constituency, in Plateau State, Matthew Akawu and Hon Abba Bello, our House of Representatives candidate for Birnin Kebbi, Kalgo and Bunza constituency in Kebbi State. Hon Abba Bello is the son of Dr Bello Haliru, former National Chairman of PDP.
Akawu and Bello’s demise are big blows to the PDP, especially at this time their experiences, commitments, and resilience are needed to steer the party to victory in their various constituencies and our country at large.
On behalf of my family and the PDP Presidential campaign team, I offer my deepest condolences to their families and constituents. I pray to Almighty God to forgive their sins and grant their souls eternal rest. -AA”
