(DDM) – Former Nigerian Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Senator, Solomon Akku Ewuga, has died.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that family sources in Akwanga and Nasarawa-Eggon confirmed the news of his passing on Sunday.
Ewuga, who was 74, was regarded as one of the most influential political figures in Nasarawa State since the advent of the Fourth Republic.
He first gained prominence in 1999 when he contested for the governorship ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against Abdullahi Adamu.
Although Adamu emerged victorious in the party primaries, Ewuga was selected as his running mate for the governorship election.
Their joint ticket triumphed, and after the swearing-in, Governor Adamu nominated Ewuga as minister representing Nasarawa State.
In June 1999, then-President Olusegun Obasanjo appointed him as Minister of State for the FCT, a position he held until 2001.
He was removed in a cabinet reshuffle after two years of service, a move that redirected his political journey.
Returning to Nasarawa politics, Ewuga made two subsequent attempts at the governorship in 2003 and 2007 but fell short in the primaries.
By 2011, his political alignment had shifted. He defected to the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and later the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC).
His alliance with Tanko Al-Makura in CPC proved decisive as they ousted then-Governor Aliyu Akwe Doma of the PDP.
That same year, Ewuga secured victory as Senator representing Nasarawa North in the 7th National Assembly.
He served for one term before making yet another attempt at the governorship, which again ended unsuccessfully.
Beyond politics, Ewuga’s career spanned law, journalism, and public service.
He had earlier served as Managing Director of the Nigerian Standard Newspaper, leaving his mark on the media industry.
Academically, Ewuga obtained a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Ibadan between 1974 and 1977.
He later advanced his education abroad, studying Mass Communication at Stockholm University in Sweden.
However, his later years were marked by personal tragedy and declining health.
One of his daughters, who worked as a pilot, died tragically in a plane crash in Cameroon.
In another incident, Ewuga was kidnapped and suffered brutal injuries that left him partially immobile for years.
Despite these hardships, he remained active in politics and public discourse, admired for his resilience and commitment to Nasarawa’s development.
Tributes have begun pouring in from political associates, journalists, and community leaders who described him as a courageous fighter and elder statesman.
Observers note that Ewuga’s death marks the end of an era in Nasarawa politics, where he played a central role for over two decades.
As one of the early voices in the state’s political history, his influence stretched across multiple parties and generations of leaders.
Family members are yet to release official funeral arrangements, but condolences continue to flow from across the state and beyond.
Ewuga’s passing, following years of personal pain and political struggles, has left a deep void in Nasarawa’s political landscape.
For many, he will be remembered not only as a politician but also as a man who bore his trials with rare dignity.
Post Views: 13
