The 2027 governorship candidate of the National Democratic Congress in Delta State, Chris Iyovwaye, has mourned former Delta State Governor Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, describing him as a respected statesman whose contributions to public service and the development of the state would endure beyond his death.

Iyovwaye expressed his condolences in a statement signed by him and made available to PUNCH Online on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, following the announcement that Uduaghan had died aged 71 after a brief illness.

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The former governor’s family announced his death in a statement signed by Toju Andre Uduaghan on Monday, prompting tributes from political associates and other figures who acknowledged his years in public office.

For Iyovwaye, the loss was not simply that of a former governor.

He described Uduaghan as an elder brother with whom he shared a personal relationship grounded in mutual respect over many years, emphasising that their connection extended beyond political affiliations.

“It is with a heavy heart that I received the news of the passing of His Excellency, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, former Governor of Delta State, a respected elder brother, and someone with whom I shared a personal relationship with that’s built on mutual respect over the years,” Iyovwaye said.

Uduaghan served as governor of Delta State from 2007 to 2015, following an earlier career in public service that included serving as Secretary to the State Government.

A medical doctor by profession, he occupied a prominent place in the state’s political leadership for eight years.

In his tribute, Iyovwaye highlighted the former governor’s commitment to public service and the policy direction associated with his administration, particularly the “Delta Beyond Oil” initiative.

The initiative sought to encourage economic diversification by reducing the state’s dependence on oil revenues and promoting alternative sources of growth.

Its underlying ambition reflected a broader challenge for Delta State, one of Nigeria’s major oil-producing states, to turn its natural resources into sustainable opportunities for its people.

Iyovwaye said Uduaghan’s years in public office would remain part of the state’s development history, while acknowledging that assessments of his administration would continue over time.

“While history will continue to assess his years in public office, his contributions to the development of Delta State will remain an important part of our state’s journey,” he said.

The statement also reflected the personal dimension of the loss. Iyovwaye recalled their conversations and shared moments, describing a relationship that was not defined solely by their positions within the political landscape.

“To me, he was more than a former governor. He was an elder brother whom I held in high regard. Our relationship went beyond political affiliations, and I will always cherish the moments we shared, our conversations, and the mutual respect that existed between us,” he said.

Such personal tributes offer a glimpse of the relationships that often develop behind public office, where political figures may maintain bonds of friendship and respect despite differences in party affiliation or political ambition.

Iyovwaye extended his condolences to Uduaghan’s wife, children and wider family, as well as the Itsekiri nation and the people of Delta State.

He prayed for strength for the bereaved family and eternal rest for the former governor.

“Beyond politics, he was a medical doctor, a leader, and a proud son of Delta State who dedicated a significant part of his life to serving our people,” Iyovwaye said.

Uduaghan’s death comes as Delta State’s political landscape prepares for the 2027 governorship election, in which Iyovwaye is seeking to contest for the state’s highest executive office under the NDC.

His tribute nevertheless placed personal loss and public service ahead of partisan considerations.

The former governor’s tenure, like those of other elected leaders, will continue to be assessed through the policies pursued, projects delivered and long-term effects of decisions made during his administration.

Iyovwaye’s statement acknowledged that historical process while paying respect to a figure he regarded as both a public servant and a personal mentor.

As condolences reach the Uduaghan family, the tributes also reflect the place the former governor occupied in Delta State’s political and social life.

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For Iyovwaye, the enduring measure of Uduaghan’s life lies in his years of service, his relationship with the people he served and the memories shared with those who knew him personally.