Lagos, Nigeria – Jesutega Onokpasa, a lawyer and prominent political commentator known for his staunch support of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu, has died.
The news of his passing was disclosed on Tuesday by Okezie J. Atañi, a pro-APC crusader, via his social media account. The cause of death has not yet been made public.
Onokpasa was a member of the APC Presidential Campaign Council in the 2023 general elections and served on the party’s Publicity Committee. He rose to national prominence for his vocal political commentary, frequently appearing on television to defend APC policies and President Tinubu’s administration.
One of his most notable media appearances occurred in October 2023 during a fiery exchange with journalist Rufai Oseni on Arise Television, where he passionately defended the government’s economic direction.
However, in recent months, Onokpasa’s tone shifted dramatically. In a public declaration earlier this year, he announced that he would no longer support President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid, citing increasing insecurity, economic hardship, and the administration’s alleged neglect of party loyalists. In what would become his final televised interview in May, Onokpasa stated: “Tinubu has failed woefully in ruling Nigeria and may end up as a one-term president.”
His passing has drawn reactions across social media from colleagues and supporters alike.
Pro-APC commentator Theo Abu simply posted: “Jesutega Onokpasa. Rest in Peace.”
Political analyst Emmanuel Umeh noted, “Jesutega Onokpasa is dead. I knew he wasn’t feeling too well after his last interview. My condolences to his family.”
Akin Olaoye, also a political commentator, added: “Jesutega Onokpasa! Rest in peace elder… I enjoyed watching your spats on TV with Rufai and Reuben Abati. Praying for his friends and family.”
Onokpasa leaves behind a legacy of fearless political engagement and unapologetic commentary in Nigeria’s public discourse.
