The People's Democratic Party's Mathew Akawu has passed away. He ran for the Plateau State House of Assembly.
After a brief illness, Akawu reportedly died early on Friday morning at a nearby hospital.
According to a family source who confirmed the report to Prime 9ja Online in Jos on Friday, the former school principal reportedly died a few hours after returning from a traditional festival in his Bassa Local Government Area of the state.
The relative confirmed, “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.
“He was then rushed to the hospital and early this morning on Friday he just died.”
Fom Gwottson, a political ally and the lawmaker representing the Jos South Constituency in the state House of Assembly called the PDP candidate’s death “terrible.”
Gwottson said, “From the various interactions we had together, he was a gentleman and somebody who loved his people. It’s unfortunate that we lost him at this time. We will surely miss him and may God rest his soul.”
With the passing of the PDP candidate, the number of deceased candidates in the state ahead of the upcoming general elections has reached two.