*Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan.
Former Governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, is dead. He was 71.
Uduaghan died on Monday, October 19, 2026, according to a statement issued by his family.
The statement, signed by Toju Anire Uduaghan on behalf of the family, announced that the former governor died in the morning, describing his passing as a devastating loss to his 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 statement said.
The family described the deceased as a source of strength and a respected elder whose life and public service touched many people across Delta State and the country.
It added that his memory and legacy would remain cherished by his family, friends, associates and former colleagues.
Uduaghan was born on October 22, 1954, in Warri North Local Government Area of present-day Delta State. He was a medical doctor before venturing into politics and public administration.
He served as Delta State Commissioner for Health from 1999 to 2003 under former Governor James Ibori. He subsequently became Secretary to the State Government, a position he held from 2003 to 2007.
He was elected governor in 2007 under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and re-elected in 2011, serving two terms until May 2015.
During his administration, his government pursued projects in infrastructure, healthcare, security and human capital development. His administration also promoted economic diversification through the “Delta Beyond Oil” initiative, aimed at reducing the state’s dependence on oil revenue.
After leaving office in 2015, Uduaghan remained involved in political activities. He moved from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2018 before returning to the PDP in 2020. He later rejoined the APC in May 2025.
His death comes three days before his 72nd birthday.
The family expressed gratitude to God for his life and service, while praying for the peaceful repose of his soul and strength for all those mourning him.
Further details surrounding his death had not been disclosed by the family.