Barinada Mpigi, a senator representing Rivers South-East Senatorial District, passed away at the age of 64. He died on Thursday, February 19, 2026, after a brief illness. Family sources confirmed the loss but provided no details on the exact cause or location.
One unverified report suggested a brain tumor diagnosis led to treatment abroad. Another account indicated he succumbed in a London hospital.
Early Life and Political Rise
Mpigi hailed from Tai Local Government Area in Rivers State’s Ogoni region. Born on June 23, 1961, he built a reputation as a grassroots mobilizer. He entered the National Assembly in 2011 as a representative for Eleme/Tai/Oyigbo Federal Constituency under the Peoples Democratic Party.
Voters re-elected him in 2015. In 2019, he advanced to the Senate for Rivers South-East. However he defected to the All Progressives Congress in December 2025.
Mpigi allied closely with Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. During the Ninth Assembly, he chaired a joint committee that investigated crude oil theft in the Niger Delta. In the Tenth Assembly, he led the Senate Committee on Works.
Announcement and Immediate Reactions
Ogoshi Onawo, a senator from Nasarawa South, announced Mpigi’s death during a Senate budget defense session. Lawmakers observed a minute’s silence in tribute.
Akin Alabi, chairman of the House Committee on Works, posted on X: “Good night, my dear friend. Rest in Peace, Senator Mpigi Barinada. Sen Mpigi represented Rivers South East in the Senate.”
Meanwhile an anonymous source expressed shock: “We are shocked over this news. I am short of words. I don’t know what to say. We are in pain.” Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President, lamented the repeated deaths in the Assembly and urged compassion among politicians.
Tributes from Rivers State
Siminalayi Fubara, the Governor of Rivers State, mourned Mpigi as a brother and consummate politician. Fubara stated: “He died at a time when his wealth of experience and commitment to public service were still required for the development of Rivers State.” He prayed for eternal rest and commiserated with Mpigi’s family, constituents, and the Senate.
Legacy in the Senate
Mpigi contributed actively to debates on national development, especially environmental issues in the Niger Delta. His death marked the fourth in the Tenth Senate since June 2023.
Predecessors included Ifeanyi Ubah, Okey Ezea, and Godiya Akwashiki. Colleagues remembered him for his oversight of federal infrastructure projects.