Hon. Shima Ayati, a former aide on Human Rights to Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has died.
Ayati passed away on Saturday in Makurdi, Benue State, following a brief illness, according to a family source, Mr Ahangba Ayati.
A well-known grassroots politician and author, Ayati was actively involved in shaping Nigeria’s political landscape.
He served as a close associate of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for four years.
However, their collaboration ended prematurely due to a political rift between Atiku and then-President Olusegun Obasanjo.
In 2003, Ayati was appointed Chairman of the Zaki-Biam Relief Committee under the administration of Governor George Akume of Benue State.
During his tenure, he oversaw the distribution of food and essential supplies to thousands of Tiv people displaced by the military invasion of Zaki-Biam.
After stepping away from politics, Ayati turned his attention to his business ventures and settled into a quiet life in Ukum Local Government Area, Benue State.
The family of the late Hon. Shima Ayati has announced that burial arrangements will be shared at a later date.