New details have emerged regarding the death of Senator Okey Ezea, the lawmaker representing Enugu North Senatorial District, who passed away in Lagos on Tuesday.

According to close family sources, Senator Ezea died from complications that followed a surgical amputation of one of his legs.

The late senator, popularly known as Ideke, had reportedly been battling diabetes for several years.

He recently returned to Nigeria from the United Kingdom and was receiving treatment at a private hospital in Lagos when his condition deteriorated.

Family insiders revealed that doctors were forced to amputate one of his legs in an attempt to save his life after complications from diabetes worsened.

“The doctors had already amputated his leg due to severe complications,” a family source disclosed.

“They were in the process of performing a skin graft to cover the amputated area when he suddenly passed away.”

Senator Ezea’s death has thrown Enugu North and the wider political community into mourning, given his long-standing influence and commitment to public service.

A key figure in contemporary Enugu politics, Okey Ezea was one of the co-founders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State in 2013.

He later became the party’s governorship candidate in 2015, carving a reputation as a bold and outspoken political voice.

In 2018, he was appointed Chairman of the Governing Board of the Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo, where he served until 2022.

That same year, he resigned and joined the Labour Party (LP). He emerged the party’s candidate for Enugu North Senatorial District and went on to win the election held on February 25, 2023.

The Nigeria Police Force has shut down the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Abuja, following a tense standoff between rival factions that attempted to take control of the party headquarters on Wednesday morning.

The closure comes less than 24 hours after heightened tension was recorded around the complex, where supporters of the two opposing blocs, led by Senator Samuel Anyanwu and former Minister Tanimu Turaki, mobilised for separate meetings in a bid to assert dominance over the party structure.

A video obtained by DAILY GAZETTE showed police operatives mounting heavy barricades and rolls of barbed wire across the entrance to prevent access to the building.

Security officials were also seen stationed across adjoining streets to forestall any outbreak of violence.

Sources said the decision to seal the secretariat was taken to avert a potential clash, after reports indicated that both factions were mobilising supporters and musicians to the venue early Wednesday, causing panic among nearby residents and businesses.

Earlier, DAILY GAZETTE reported a massive deployment of police officers, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), and civil defence personnel around Zone 5, where the secretariat is located.

Supporters of both groups were seen chanting, dancing, and displaying banners as they attempted to occupy strategic positions near the plaza.

The developing crisis follows renewed internal battles over party leadership and control, with both factions planning parallel meetings at the same venue.

The police are yet to issue an official statement on when the secretariat will be reopened.

Details shortly…

Former Kano State governor and leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has raised alarm over the renewed surge in insecurity across the country, urging the Federal Government to respond decisively as violent attacks and kidnappings intensify in several states.

In a statement shared on X, Kwankwaso warned that Nigeria is entering a dangerous phase of instability, pointing to a string of recent incidents that reveal deep cracks in the nation’s security architecture.

He condemned the abduction of 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi State, describing it as a painful reminder of past mass kidnappings that traumatised the country and attracted global outcry.

According to him, the attack mirrors a growing trend in northern Nigeria, where criminal groups increasingly target students for ransom or leverage.

Kwankwaso also lamented the killing of Brigadier-General M. Uba during an ambush by terrorists in Borno State, calling it one of the most devastating blows to Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts in recent years.

He said the death of such a senior military officer signalled a serious intelligence lapse and called for an immediate probe to restore confidence within the armed forces.

He further cited ongoing mass abductions in Zamfara State, where armed groups continue to raid rural communities, as evidence that criminal networks remain firmly entrenched despite repeated military operations and negotiations by local governments.

The former defence minister added that the uptick in attacks in Shanono and Ghari local government areas of Kano State proves that insecurity is now spreading beyond historically troubled regions into areas once considered relatively stable.

While he commended the Kano State Government for providing operational vehicles to security agencies, Kwankwaso stressed that such efforts would be insufficient without stronger federal intervention.

He reminded the government of its constitutional responsibility to protect citizens, insisting that the recent incidents reflect “clear setbacks in the fight against insecurity.”

Kwankwaso reiterated the need for increased investment in the armed forces and enhanced support for the Nigeria Police Force, noting that many frontline units are overstretched, under-equipped, and lack timely intelligence needed to prevent or effectively respond to attacks.

With Nigeria confronting multiple security challenges, from jihadist insurgents in the northeast to bandit groups in the northwest and separatist movements in the southeast, Kwankwaso warned that continued failures could further erode public trust and deepen the suffering of already vulnerable communities.

He urged the government to act swiftly and decisively to stem the rising wave of violence.

Former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, has formally announced his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Kebbi State, insisting that his decision is driven by a commitment to rescue and reposition the state, not personal gain.

Malami made the declaration on Monday during an interview with DCL Hausa, where he expressed confidence that he enjoys strong grassroots support.

“Although INEC guidelines do not permit mobilisation at this stage, I assure you that when the time comes, it will be clear that the people of Kebbi State are solidly behind us,” he said.

Emphasising his determination, he added, “I have agreed to contest, and there is no retreat. God willing, we will win because we have people who believe in us, and we will not disappoint them.”

The former AGF criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing the party of failing to address the growing hardship in the country, particularly in the northern region.

According to him, worsening insecurity has forced many farmers off their land, crippling agricultural productivity, Kebbi’s economic backbone.

He blamed both state and federal authorities for what he described as negligence, citing the shutdown of rice mills that had operated for two decades due to policies that allegedly favour foreign companies.

Malami said his governorship bid is anchored on restoring security, reviving the agricultural sector, and protecting the interests of Kebbi residents.

He also dismissed claims that his ambition is influenced by personal or political benefits.

“We are on a rescue mission for Kebbi State,” he asserted.

The family of Distinguished Senator Okey Ezea, who represented Enugu North Senatorial District in the 10th Senate, has formally announced his passing, marking the end of a long and impactful public service career.

He died on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at about 11:07 pm in a private hospital in Lagos after a brief illness.

In a statement released on Wednesday by his son, Jideofor Ezea, the family described his death as a “painful and profound loss,” noting that the senator remained active and influential in legislative activities until his final days.

Senator Ezea played several key roles in the 10th Senate.

He started the session as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions before taking on additional leadership responsibilities as Vice Chairman of the Committees on Housing and Urban Development; Cooperation and Integration in Africa and NEPAD; and Culture and Creative Economy.

His legislative contributions were widely regarded as purposeful and people-centered. Among his achievements was sponsoring the bill establishing the Federal College of Agriculture, Adani, and championing the bill for the creation of Adada State, a cause he pursued with unwavering commitment until his health declined.

He also moved critical motions, including one urging the creation of a military base in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area to address persistent attacks by armed herdsmen.

Before winning the Enugu North Senate seat in 2023 under the Labour Party, Senator Ezea had been a founding member of the APC and a key figure in building the party’s structure in Enugu State.

He contested the governorship three times, in 2007, 2011, and 2015 and his 2023 senatorial victory, where he defeated an incumbent governor, remains one of the defining highlights of his political journey.

Beyond politics, he served the nation in various capacities, including as Chairman of the Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo, Taraba State.

Senator Ezea was also known for his unwavering political integrity.

He remained the only federal lawmaker from Enugu elected on the Labour Party platform in 2023 who refused to defect to the ruling party, choosing instead to stand firmly with the party that brought him to the Senate despite immense political pressure.

He is survived by his wife, Chioma, and four children.

The family has requested prayers and privacy as they navigate this difficult time, while tributes continue to pour in from colleagues, political leaders, and constituents who describe him as principled, courageous, and devoted to public service.