Former Delta Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan Dies at 71

Former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, has died at the age of 71 following a brief illness.

The Uduaghan family announced his death in a statement signed by Toju Andre Uduaghan on Monday, October 19, 2026.

The statement, titled “Announcement of the Passing of His Excellency, Dr Chief Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan,” said the former governor died on Monday morning, describing his passing as a painful loss to the family, the people of Delta State and Nigeria.

“It is with hearts weighed down by immeasurable grief and profound sorrow that we announce the passing to glory of our beloved Father, Brother, Uncle, and Patriarch, His Excellency, Dr Chief Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, former Governor of Delta State, who departed this world on the morning of 19th October 2026,” the family said.

The family described Uduaghan as a father figure, a respected elder and a man whose life and public service touched many people across Delta State and beyond.

It said his death had left the family devastated but expressed gratitude to God for his life, years of service and the legacy he left behind.

The family also prayed for divine comfort for relatives, friends, political associates, former colleagues and other Nigerians mourning his death.

Uduaghan, a medical doctor and politician, governed Delta State from May 29, 2007, to May 29, 2015, under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He assumed office in 2007 following a governorship election that was declared inconclusive and subsequently secured re-election in 2011 for a second term.

Before becoming governor, Uduaghan served as Delta State Commissioner for Health from 1999 to 2003 and Secretary to the State Government from 2003 to 2007.

According to the family, he devoted his years in public service to the human and infrastructural development of the oil-producing state.

His administration covered a period when Delta State continued to grapple with the challenges of translating its oil wealth into sustainable development, improved public services and better living conditions for residents.

Beyond his years in government, Uduaghan remained involved in the state's political affairs. On May 9, 2025, he rejoined the All Progressives Congress (APC), with party leaders presenting him with his membership card at his residence in Delta State.

His political journey reflected the changing alliances and party affiliations that have characterised politics in the state and the wider Nigerian political landscape.

Meanwhile, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, has expressed sadness over the former governor's death, describing it as a profound loss.

In her condolence message, the senator said the death of the former governor represented not only the loss of a distinguished public office holder but also the departure of a father figure and revered elder.

“Words are painfully inadequate to express the depth of my sorrow at the passing of His Excellency, Dr Chief Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan. His death is a profound loss, and my heart goes out to the entire Uduaghan family at this incredibly difficult moment,” she said.

Akpoti-Uduaghan noted that public office eventually comes to an end, but the memories of a life devoted to service endure.

She urged the bereaved family to draw strength from the memories of the former governor and the contributions he made during his lifetime.

“To the Uduaghan family, I pray that the Almighty God will grant you the fortitude to bear this painful loss. May He give you the strength to endure the days of grief, the peace to find comfort in cherished memories, and the grace to celebrate a life that has left an indelible mark on those who knew him,” she added.

The senator also prayed for the peaceful repose of the former governor's soul.

In its statement, the Uduaghan family said his death would be deeply felt by relatives, friends, political associates and the people of Delta State.

It pledged to cherish his memory and preserve the legacy of his years of service.

“Rest well, our beloved Father, Brother, and Uncle. Your memory will forever remain in our hearts, and your legacy will endure in the lives of those you touched,” the statement said.

The family concluded with a prayer for his soul to rest in perfect peace.

Details of funeral arrangements were not contained in the announcement.