A prominent political figure and advocate of democracy, Senator Jonathan Silas Zwingina, has passed away at the age of 70. Zwingina, who represented the Adamawa Southern Senatorial District, died in Abuja on Tuesday, following a prolonged illness. His death comes just two months after celebrating his 70th birthday.
Known for his critical role in Nigeria’s political landscape, Zwingina was the Director-General of the MKO Abiola campaign organization during the pivotal June 12, 1993 presidential election. He was also a founding member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and served two terms as Senate Majority Leader during the Fourth Republic.
Sources close to the family have confirmed the news of his passing, though no official statement has been made by his family at the time of this report. A source remarked, "The advocate of democracy has gone to the great beyond."
Born in Adamawa State, Zwingina dedicated much of his life to public service. Upon taking office in June 1999, he was appointed to several important Senate committees, including Works & Housing (which he chaired), Establishment, Internal Affairs, Information, Special Projects, Privatization, and Economic Affairs. His contributions to the legislative process and nation-building were widely respected.
Zwingina, later in his political career, defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), further shaping his legacy as a key player in Nigeria’s political transition. Beyond his legislative work, he served as the chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Save Democracy Group Africa, an organization committed to fostering democratic principles across the continent.
As Nigeria mourns the loss of one of its elder statesmen, Zwingina will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to democracy and his significant contributions to the nation's political history.
Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.
