Kogoro Mourns Uduaghan, Says Delta Has Lost a True Democrat and Friend of the Youth

By Endurance Ikanone

Hon. Melvin Akpomiemie Kogoro, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Sapele Constituency I in the 2027 Delta State House of Assembly election, has mourned the death of former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, describing him as a true democrat who demonstrated a commitment to inclusive leadership and the interests of young people.

Kogoro said Uduaghan’s death was a painful loss to Delta State, particularly to those who admired his leadership style and believed in his approach to democratic governance.

The former governor died on Monday, October 19, 2026, at the age of 71. He governed Delta State from 2007 to 2015, having previously served as Commissioner for Health and Secretary to the State Government.

In his tribute, Kogoro recalled Uduaghan as a leader who, in his assessment, demonstrated that democracy should be about respecting the people’s choices rather than concentrating political power in the hands of a particular party or group.

He particularly highlighted what he described as the former governor’s democratic disposition, recalling that Uduaghan was willing to accommodate opposition victories, even at the councillorship level.

According to Kogoro, such an approach reflected a belief that political leadership should be guided by respect for the electorate and the democratic process, regardless of party affiliations.

He said Uduaghan’s example was a reminder that the strength of democracy lies in allowing citizens to freely choose their representatives and respecting the outcome of their choices.

The NDC candidate also paid tribute to the late governor’s relationship with young people, describing him as a friend of the youth whose leadership recognised their place in the political and developmental future of Delta State.

Kogoro noted that young people needed leaders who would listen to their concerns, recognise their potential and create opportunities for them to participate meaningfully in governance.

He said the passing of a leader he regarded as a true democrat was particularly painful at a time when Nigeria’s democracy required political actors to demonstrate tolerance, fairness and respect for differing opinions.

The Sapele Constituency I candidate extended his condolences to Uduaghan’s wife, Deaconess Roli Uduaghan, his children, the entire Uduaghan family, the Itsekiri nation and the people of Delta State.

He prayed that God would comfort the bereaved family and grant the deceased eternal rest.

Kogoro said Uduaghan’s legacy should serve as an enduring reminder that public office is an opportunity to serve the people, strengthen democratic institutions and promote peaceful coexistence among citizens of different political persuasions.

He added that the former governor would be remembered not only for the offices he occupied but also for the values of democratic tolerance, inclusion and respect for the people’s will that his leadership represented to his admirers.