The member representing Kwami/Funakaye/Gombe Federal Constituency of Gombe State in the House of Representatives, Yaya Tongo, has been pronounced dead by medical experts at the Nizamiye Hospital, in Federal Capital Territory Abuja.
The lawmaker’s demise came barely three months after defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), ahead of the 2027 poll.
Tongo, who was elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party in 2023, defected to the African Democratic Congress in March 2026.
The Gombe State Governor, Inuwa Yahaya, and the former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami, confirmed the lawmaker’s demise yesterday.
In a condolence message, Yahaya described the late lawmaker as an astute grassroots politician, seasoned public servant and committed representative who dedicated his life to the service of his people and the development of the State.
The Governor said the death of Hon. Yaya Bauchi Tongo is a huge and painful loss, not only to his immediate family or constituents, but also to Gombe State and Nigeria as a whole.
According to him, the late federal lawmaker distinguished himself through impactful constituency projects, humanitarian interventions and commitment to improving the lives of the people he represented.
“Hon. Yaya Bauchi Tongo was a passionate and grassroot leader whose contributions to community development and public service earned him the respect and admiration of many. His demise is indeed a huge loss to our state and the nation,” the Governor stated.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya recalled the late lawmaker’s years of service in various capacities, noting that his legacy of humility, accessibility and commitment to constituency development would continue to be remembered.
He extended his heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of the deceased, the people of Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, members of the National Assembly, political associates and the entire people of Gombe State over the great loss.
The Governor prayed Almighty Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the deceased, reward his good deeds with Aljannat Firdaus, and grant his family, associates and constituents the fortitude to bear the immense loss.
Earlier, Pantami wrote, “We have lost our representative for Gombe, Kwami, and Funakaye, Hon Yaya Bauchi Tongo. He passed away today, Friday, June 12, 2026.
“Today, along with Alhaji Bappa Ahmad Abdullahi and some colleagues, I visited Nizamiye Hospital, Abuja, from 3:30pm to 3:50pm, where I prayed for him.
“I also met his friend, two of his children, and other relatives at the hospital. They received me and accompanied me to his room.
“Since leaving the hospital, I have been deeply worried because of the condition I saw him in. Even to a layman like me, his health condition was clearly critical. However, we always put our trust in Allah, the Almighty God.
“A few hours later, I received news of his passing at Nizamiye Hospital, Abuja, today, Friday.
“We have lost one of our own. However, passing away on a Friday carries its own spiritual blessing.”
Pantami referenced a saying of Prophet Muhammad to support his remark.
“The Prophet Muhammad said that ‘no believer passes away on Friday, or its night, but that Allah will protect him from the trial of the grave,’” he added.