House of Representatives Member Yaya Tongo Dies After Brief Illness
Hon. Yaya Bauchi Tongo, the member representing Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State in the House of Representatives, has died after a brief illness.
Tongo passed away on Friday at Nizamiye Hospital in Abuja, according to former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami.
Pantami announced the lawmaker’s death in a post on Saturday, expressing grief over the loss of the federal legislator.
“We have lost our representative for Gombe, Kwami and Funakaye, Hon. Yaya Bauchi Tongo. He passed away today, Friday, June 12, 2026,” Pantami wrote.
He disclosed that he had visited the lawmaker earlier in the day at Nizamiye Hospital, where he prayed for his recovery and met with members of his family.
“Today, alongside Alhaji Bappa Ahmad Abdullahi and some colleagues, I visited him at Nizamiye Hospital in Abuja. I was with him from 3:30 p.m. to 3:50 p.m. and offered prayers for him. I also met with his friend, two of his children, and other relatives at the hospital,” he added.
The death of the lawmaker was also confirmed by the House of Representatives through a statement issued by its spokesperson, Hon. Akin Rotimi, who said the information was conveyed by the Gombe State Caucus in the National Assembly.
Describing the late legislator as a committed public servant and grassroots politician, Rotimi said Tongo dedicated his life to serving his constituents and advancing democratic governance.
“Rep. Tongo was a dedicated public servant, seasoned grassroots politician and committed legislator whose life was defined by selfless service to his people and the nation,” the statement read.
The House noted that throughout his political career, Tongo served in several strategic positions, including Chairman of Funakaye Local Government Area, Special Adviser to the Gombe State Government, and member of the Gombe State House of Assembly.
Until his death, he served as Chairman of the Nigeria–United Arab Emirates Parliamentary Friendship Group in the House of Representatives.
The Green Chamber further described him as a respected voice in parliament whose contributions enriched legislative debates and promoted the welfare and development of his constituents.
“Hon. Tongo brought wisdom, experience and a deep understanding of governance to legislative deliberations. His contributions to nation-building and democratic development will remain an enduring part of his legacy,” the statement added.
Born on June 18, 1963, in Funakaye Local Government Area of Gombe State, Tongo began his political journey in 1999 when he was elected as a councillor on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Between 2007 and 2009, he served as Special Adviser on Local Government and Political Affairs to the Governor of Gombe State before winning election to the Gombe State House of Assembly in 2011, where he represented Funakaye South Constituency.
He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2015 and was re-elected in 2023 on the platform of the PDP.
In March 2026, he defected from the PDP to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), continuing his political career under the opposition party until his death.
His passing has drawn tributes from colleagues, political associates, and constituents who remember him as a dedicated legislator and advocate for grassroots development.
He is survived by his family, political associates, and constituents across Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency.