Simon Mwadkwon (Sen.)
Plateau | Senator
Plateau | Senator
Senator Simon Davou Mwadkwon is a Nigerian politician, educationist, administrator, and former legislator from Plateau State. He represented Plateau North Senatorial District in the 10th Senate and briefly served as Senate Minority Leader in 2023.
Simon Davou Mwadkwon was born in 1968 in Plateau State. He developed an academic and professional background in education and religious studies, later becoming involved in teaching, research, community leadership, and politics.
Before entering mainstream politics, Mwadkwon worked as an academic at the University of Jos, where he was involved in teaching and research. He furthered his education through postgraduate studies and obtained a PhD in Religious Studies, Education and Conflict Management from the University of Jos. He also undertook advanced studies in Germany.
Mwadkwon was actively involved in community and youth organisations before entering elective politics. He served in leadership positions within the Berom Youth Movement and other community organisations, experiences that helped establish his reputation for grassroots mobilisation and community engagement.
His political career became prominent in 2009, when he was elected Executive Chairman of Riyom Local Government Council in Plateau State. He served in that position until 2011.
In 2011, Mwadkwon was elected to the House of Representatives, representing the Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency. He was subsequently re-elected in 2019, giving him several years of experience in federal legislative affairs.
During his time in the House of Representatives, he participated in legislative debates, committee activities, oversight functions, and constituency development. His background in education and community leadership also influenced his interest in issues relating to education, youth development, peacebuilding, security, and community welfare.
In the 2023 general elections, Mwadkwon contested for the Plateau North Senatorial District seat under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He won the election and was inaugurated into the 10th Senate on 13 June 2023.
On 4 July 2023, he was elected Senate Minority Leader, becoming the leading opposition figure in the Senate at the time. His tenure in the Senate, however, was brief following a subsequent court decision concerning the Plateau North senatorial election.
In October 2023, the Court of Appeal nullified his election and ordered a fresh election. Mwadkwon consequently left the Senate after serving for several months. He was not a candidate in the subsequent rerun election.
In January 2026, Mwadkwon announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). His move marked a new phase in his political career and returned him to active political competition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Throughout his career, Mwadkwon has maintained an interest in education, peacebuilding, youth empowerment, security, community development, and effective representation. His background as an educator and community leader has remained an important part of his public identity.
Through his experience as an educationist, academic, local government chairman, member of the House of Representatives, senator, and Senate Minority Leader, Senator Simon Davou Mwadkwon has established himself as a notable political figure from Plateau State. His career reflects a combination of academic experience, grassroots leadership, legislative service, and political organisation.