Senate President Godswill Akpabio has described the death of former Delta State Governor Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan as shocking and a great loss to Nigeria and the entire Niger Delta region.

In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, Akpabio said: “I received with profound shock and disbelief the news of the transition of Dr Uduaghan at the age of 71, just three days to his 72nd birthday.”

“Dr Uduaghan was the governor of Delta State from 2007–2015, when I also had the opportunity to preside over the affairs of Akwa Ibom State as their governor. He was a distinguished medical doctor and a committed statesman, who devoted his life to public office.

“His tenure as the state Governor marked a very significant moment in the infrastructural development of the state. He was a committed leader to the healthcare delivery and human capital development of his people. He was a bridge-builder across the Niger Delta region and Nigeria as a whole. He was a detribalised leader and a respected elder whose contributions to democracy and national development will be sorely missed.

“On behalf of the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I extend our deepest condolences to the larger Uduaghan family, his wife, Mrs Roli Uduaghan, the children, the people and Government of Delta State, and the Itsekiri nation and indeed the entire Niger Delta on the passing of their illustrious son and former Governor of Delta State.

“May Almighty God grant his gentle soul eternal rest and grant his family and the people of Delta State the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”

A family member who confirmed the death to Channels Television said Uduaghan died on the morning of Monday, October 19, 2026, in a hospital in Abuja after a period of illness, describing the passing as a devastating loss to the family and all whose lives he touched.

Uduaghan, a medical doctor by profession, held several public offices in Delta State before becoming governor. He served as Commissioner for Health from 1999 to 2003 and later as Secretary to the State Government from 2003 to 2007, before succeeding James Ibori as governor. He governed Delta State from 2007 to 2015, completing two terms, and remained active in state and national politics after leaving office.

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori also expressed sadness over the death, describing Uduaghan as a detribalised leader whose contributions to the state’s development would not be forgotten. In a condolence message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, the governor sympathised with the late governor’s wife, Roli, his children, the Uduaghan family, the Itsekiri nation and the people of Delta State.

Oborevwori recalled Uduaghan’s years in office, noting his significant contributions to infrastructure development and his work towards the state’s overall development beyond ethnic differences. He said the former governor’s years in public service left a lasting mark on Delta State, adding that his death was a loss to the state and the country at large. The governor prayed for the peaceful repose of Uduaghan’s soul and asked God to comfort his wife, children, family members, the Itsekiri nation and all those mourning.

Uduaghan was 71 years old.