Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State on Sunday defied a downpour to kick off the mobilisation of support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates ahead of the forthcoming elections.
The Governor, who returned the same day from a strategic trip to the United States and Canada, immediately hit the ground running, leading a massive rally in Maiduguri where party faithful and residents demonstrated their loyalty to the ruling party.
Addressing the crowd at the Government House, Governor Zulum underscored the critical importance of continuity in governance. He reminded the gathering of the significant security gains achieved in the state and the wider North-East region, attributing the relative peace and stability to the collaborative efforts of the state government and the Federal Government.
The Governor noted that support from the Federal Government has been instrumental in the state’s recovery efforts, citing infrastructure rehabilitation and the resettlement of displaced persons.
He argued that returning the APC to power at both the state and federal levels was the only way to sustain these gains and prevent a regression into the dark days of insecurity.
“In the first four years of our administration, we worked hard to ensure the security of the lives of our people, and with the help of Almighty Allah, relative peace was attained, Zulum stressed.
He added, “Let us understand that the peace we are enjoying today is a result of our collective resilience and the federal government’s support.”
Zulum also urged party members, community leaders, and residents to mobilise support for every APC candidate, starting from the President to the candidates contesting for seats in the State House of Assembly.
“Let us support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Our Gubernatorial candidate, Mustapha Gubio, and let us support all our National and State Assembly candidates,” Zulum stated, emphasising the need for a cohesive legislative arm that would work in harmony with the executive to deliver dividends of democracy to the grassroots.
Ifiekporo Community Chairman Describes Late Ex-Governor as Father, Mentor and Man of the People
Dr. Monday Agbeyi, Chairman of Ifiekporo Community in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, has expressed profound grief over the passing of former Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, describing his death as a painful personal loss and a monumental blow to Delta State and Nigeria. Agbeyi, who shared a close relationship with the late former governor, said Uduaghan was not merely a political leader but a father, mentor, confidant and detribalised statesman whose legacy of service, peace, unity and human empowerment would endure for generations.
Recounting his immediate reaction to the sad news, Agbeyi said he was deeply shocked and heartbroken when he learnt of Uduaghan’s death. He disclosed that he immediately abandoned whatever he was doing and proceeded straight to the former governor’s residence, overwhelmed by disbelief and sorrow at the loss of a man who had played such an important role in his life. According to him, the news was devastating, particularly because of the close bond and personal relationship they shared over the years.
In a condolence statement issued to newsmen, Agbeyi described Uduaghan as a true man of the people whose leadership transcended ethnic, political and religious boundaries. He said the late former governor believed in the unity of Delta State and Nigeria, consistently demonstrating that genuine leadership should be driven by compassion, inclusiveness and a commitment to the common good, rather than narrow ethnic or political interests.
Agbeyi noted that Uduaghan’s administration was guided by a three point agenda of peace and security, human capital development, and infrastructure, reflecting his determination to create a peaceful environment, empower citizens and improve the quality of life of Deltans. He also highlighted the former governor’s vision of a “Delta Beyond Oil” as evidence of his foresight and determination to build a sustainable economy that would reduce the state’s dependence on oil revenue and create opportunities for future generations.
According to Agbeyi, the late former governor understood that the true measure of leadership was not limited to physical infrastructure but extended to the lives touched, people empowered, opportunities created and futures transformed. He said Uduaghan’s contributions to governance and human development had earned him a special place in the hearts of countless Deltans and Nigerians, adding that the memories of his kindness, political maturity, inclusive leadership and commitment to humanity would remain indelible.
“Today, I mourn not just a former governor but a father, mentor and a man with whom I shared a close relationship. His passing is deeply painful, and the shock is difficult to put into words. When I heard the news, I immediately left everything I was doing and went straight to his house because I could hardly believe that a man of his stature, warmth and humanity was gone. Although his earthly journey has ended, his legacies will continue to speak for him. Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan was a detribalised Nigerian who believed in unity, peace and the empowerment of the people. I pray that Almighty God grants him eternal rest and gives his family, loved ones and the entire Delta State the strength to bear this irreparable loss,” Agbeyi stated.
While commiserating with the Uduaghan family, the government and people of Delta State, as well as his numerous associates and admirers across Nigeria, Agbeyi urged Deltans to preserve the values of peace, unity, selfless service and development that the late statesman championed. He stressed that the most fitting tribute to Uduaghan would be to sustain his positive legacies and continue working towards his vision of a peaceful, prosperous and united Delta State.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has called upon members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Council to actively engage with voters at the grassroots level, mobilizing support across all units and wards in preparation for the 2027 general elections.
During the inauguration of the Delta State APC Campaign Council in Asaba on Thursday, Governor Oborevwori introduced “MORE Plus” as the central theme for his re-election campaign.
He emphasized that serving on the council is a commitment to the public, urging members to collaborate with unity, discipline, and dedication to secure victories for President Bola Tinubu, himself, and other APC candidates.
The governor stressed the importance of moving beyond traditional rallies and political gatherings to directly interact with ordinary citizens.
He advocated for door-to-door campaigns targeting market women, youth, workers, farmers, and traders.
Oborevwori also instructed campaign coordinators at local government and ward levels to fortify their structures, work alongside support groups, and guarantee the party’s message reaches every polling unit.
He highlighted the need for the APC to campaign on its governmental track record, referencing the Federal Government’s policies and his administration’s “M.O.R.E Agenda,” which prioritizes infrastructure, education, healthcare, workers’ welfare, youth empowerment, and security. “Our accomplishments must speak for themselves, but we must also be ready to articulate them persuasively,” he stated, encouraging party members to effectively communicate the impact of government policies to the electorate.
Governor Oborevwori reassured Deltans that political activities would not divert his administration from its commitments, confirming that ongoing projects and development programs would continue throughout the campaign period.
He also appealed to politicians and their supporters to maintain peace, refrain from hate speech, and prevent political disagreements from fragmenting the state.
Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme commended Governor Oborevwori for aligning Delta State with the federal government’s initiatives.
He urged APC members to build on these achievements by striving for success in 2027 and publicizing President Tinubu’s accomplishments in areas such as local government autonomy, education funding, grassroots development, security, electricity, and road infrastructure.
Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, defended President Tinubu’s economic reforms, asserting that difficult decisions were essential to address the nation’s economic challenges. Keyamo acknowledged that the reforms had led to temporary hardships but maintained they were necessary to resolve underlying issues, including the unsustainable cost of fuel subsidies.
In his welcoming remarks, Delta APC Chairman Chief Solomon Arenyeka stated that the inauguration signaled the party’s readiness to compete and win elections at all levels in 2027. He encouraged council members to collaborate, peacefully mobilize voters, and translate the successes of the APC-led governments into electoral support.
Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, former Governor of the State, speaking for the Delta North Senatorial District, noted the high expectations following the significant defection from the PDP to the APC in April 2025. Okowa urged the campaign council to demonstrate the party’s strength through a strong electoral performance, emphasizing direct voter engagement over exclusive reliance on rallies.
Representing the Delta Central Senatorial District, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor expressed satisfaction that the APC is now the ruling party in Delta State, pledging support for the re-election of President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori.
Comrade Ovuozourie Macaulay, former Secretary to the State Government, speaking for the Delta South Senatorial District, affirmed that the Oborevwori administration’s achievements would bolster the party’s campaign, assuring that the district would strive to deliver substantial votes for the APC.
Stella Okotete, former APC National Woman Leader and Executive Director of the Nigerian Export-Import Bank, called upon women to intensify mobilization efforts, setting a target of at least 75 percent of the votes for President Tinubu and other APC candidates.
In response, Senator James Manager, Director-General of the campaign council, pledged to collaborate with party leaders and members to secure victory for the APC. He described the assignment as a demanding task requiring collective effort and sustained grassroots mobilization.
The campaign council is chaired by Governor Oborevwori, with Senator Manager serving as Director-General and Mr. Chiedu Ebie as Deputy Director-General, among other members.
His Majesty, Odjaberen, Dr. Matthew Ediri Egbi, Owahwa II, The Okobaro of the Ancient Ughievwen Kingdom, has expressed heartfelt condolences to the widow and family members of the late former Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, over his recent demise.
The condolence message was contained in a statement jointly signed by Olorogun Matthew Akpogbemre Shaire, Otota of Ughievwen Kingdom; Olorogun John Ogheneovo Okoro, Secretary to Council of Chiefs, Ughievwen Kingdom; and Olorogun Sunday Ohwoyigho Apah, Director of Media and Publicity of the Okobaro Royal Palace, on behalf of the Monarch on Wednesday, 21 October 2026.
In the statement, His Majesty noted that Dr. Uduaghan’s tenure as governor left a lasting and positive imprint on the Ughievwen Kingdom.
He recalled that it was during that administration that an illustrious son of the kingdom, the late Professor Amos Agbe Utuama (SAN), rose to become the Deputy Governor of Delta State.
The Revered Monarch further disclosed that he received his Staff of Office as the Okobaro of Ughievwen kingdom under Dr. Uduaghan’s leadership, an act he described as a significant recognition of the kingdom’s Traditional Institution.
Beyond these milestones, the monarch highlighted several key appointments that benefited sons and daughters of Ughievwen.
He pointed out that Chief Johnson Boro and Honourable Festus Utuama were appointed as Commissioners of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) at different times.
Mr. Oma Djebah was also appointed the Commissioner for Information, while Honourable Reuben Izeze received the support that enabled him to secure a seat in the Delta State House of Assembly.
In addition, Honourable Dr. Chris Oghenechovwen was appointed Director of Protocols to Government House, among other important appointments by people from the kingdom.
The Okobaro described these developments as clear evidence of Dr. Uduaghan’s inclusive style of governance and his deliberate efforts to empower the Ughievwen people.
He prayed that God would grant the bereaved family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and that the soul of the late former governor would find eternal rest.
The Delta State Government has announced a three-day period of mourning to honor Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, CON, its former governor, who passed away on Monday, October 19, 2026, at the age of 71.
This period of remembrance commenced on Monday, October 19, coinciding with the day of the former governor’s death. He would have celebrated his 72nd birthday in three days.
In tribute to the late former governor, the current governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has issued a directive for all flags on government buildings throughout the state to be flown at half-mast for the duration of the three-day mourning period.
This directive was officially conveyed in a statement issued by Dr. Kingsley Emu, the Secretary to the State Government.
The declaration serves as a gesture of profound respect for Uduaghan, who led Delta State as governor from 2007 to 2015.
Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has voiced deep sorrow at the passing of former Governor Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, CON, praising him as a leader who transcended ethnic boundaries and whose impact on the state’s progress will endure.
According to a family statement, Uduaghan died on Monday, 19 October 2026, at the age of 71.
In a message of condolence released by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, the governor extended his sympathy to the late leader’s widow, Roli, their children, the wider Uduaghan family, the Itsekiri people and all Deltans mourning the loss.
Oborevwori reflected on Uduaghan’s time in office, highlighting the substantial strides made in infrastructure during his tenure.
He portrayed the former governor as someone who set ethnic differences aside and focused on advancing Delta State as a whole.
Uduaghan held the position of Commissioner for Health between 1999 and 2003, then served as Secretary to the State Government from 2003 to 2007.
He assumed the governorship in May 2007 and completed two terms before leaving office in 2015.
The governor noted that Uduaghan’s long years of public service left a positive imprint on Delta State and described his death as a setback not only for the state but for the nation.
He prayed for the peaceful rest of the former governor’s soul and asked God to console his wife, children, relatives, the Itsekiri nation and everyone affected by the loss.
Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, the former governor of Delta State, has died at the age of 71.
According to a statement released by his family, the former governor passed away on the morning of Monday, October 19, 2026.
The announcement, signed by Toju Andre Uduaghan on behalf of the family, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of a beloved father, brother, uncle and patriarch.
Family members said they were left devastated by his death, noting that his life and years of public service had a lasting impact on many people across Delta State and Nigeria.
Uduaghan first served as Delta State Commissioner for Health from 1999 to 2003. He later held the position of Secretary to the State Government from 2003 to 2007 before becoming governor in 2007.
He completed two consecutive terms in office from 2007 to 2015, focusing during that period on human development and infrastructure projects.
The family described his passing as a profound loss not only to his relatives but also to the people of Delta State and the nation as a whole.
While thanking God for his life and the legacy he left behind, the family prayed for divine comfort for relatives, friends, associates, former colleagues and all those mourning him.
The statement ended with a prayer for the peaceful rest of his soul, affirming that his memory would continue to live in the hearts of those he touched.
“May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Amen,” the family added.
Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Caucus of Ughelli South Local Government Area Constituency I (Ughievwen) on Sunday appointed Olorogun Johnson Odafetite Boro as its chairman.
The decision was reached during a well-attended meeting of party stakeholders drawn from across the constituency, held in the country home of Olorogun Johnson Boro at Agbowhiame town, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
The caucus also approved a full list of executive members to work with the new chairman. Those appointed include Chief Patrick Akpokiboro Fovie, Chief Adelabu Bodjor, Deacon Matthew Kwode, Olorogun David Uhawha, Prince Koyoyo Avwomakpotor Uhrorho, Olorogun Ubu Digbame Jiminyevwen, Chief Mrs. Lizzy Djebah-Unurhoro, Mr. Ojays Ojigho, Olorogun Isaiah Kekeje and Chief Michael Djegbe Oshetigho.
In his acceptance speech, Olorogun Johnson Odafetite Boro expressed profound gratitude to members of the caucus for the confidence reposed in him.
He said the appointment was both an honour and a call to greater service to the people of Ughievwen and the APC family.
Boro promised to prioritise the unity of Ughievwen above all other considerations.
He pledged to work closely with every stakeholder, irrespective of past differences, to build a stronger, more cohesive political structure that would advance the interests of the constituency.
He further assured the gathering that under his leadership the caucus would focus on mobilising support for the party’s programmes, promoting internal democracy and ensuring that the dividends of democracy reach every community within Ughievwen. “I will not rest until our people feel the impact of our collective efforts,” he declared.
Earlier in the meeting, several prominent stakeholders spoke in support of the new leadership. Mr. Simon Mudi Temple, Olorogun Godwin Sito, Chief Bernard Jamaho Esq., Chief Godwin Okporoko, Mr. Rufus Onokurhefe and others, all expressed joy over the peaceful and orderly manner in which the caucus conducted its affairs.
They described the appointment of Boro as a step in the right direction and urged members to give the new executives maximum cooperation.
The speakers emphasised the need for continuous dialogue, mutual respect and collective responsibility in order to strengthen the party’s base ahead of future political contests.
The Police in Delta State have arrested five suspected armed robbers and kidnappers and recovered two firearms and several live cartridges in separate intelligence-led operations by the Commissioner of Police Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) and the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit (SAKU) in Ughelli North and Ika South Local Government Areas.
In a press release, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, said that on 16 October 2026, operatives of CP-SAT, acting on credible intelligence about a suspected armed robbery syndicate terrorising Ujode Community in Ughelli North LGA, raided the area and arrested Thankgod Ejakpomewhe, 29.
One locally made long gun and one live cartridge were recovered from him. Other members of the syndicate fled. Efforts to apprehend them are ongoing.
Similarly, on 15 October 2026, operatives of SAKU, Ubuluku, acting on credible intelligence, raided a suspected criminal hideout in Alisimen Community, Ika South LGA, and arrested four suspects: Okwunzuwa Rubben, 28; John Onyeka, 42; Uzoma Ifeyinwa, 20; and Osas Atoe, 22.
The operation yielded one double-barrelled pump-action gun, one laptop, six mobile phones, a camouflage cap and jacket. A further search of the suspects’ residence led to the recovery of five rounds of live cartridges. Investigation is ongoing.
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, Samuel E. Erale, commended the operatives for their diligence and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks and preventing the unlawful circulation of firearms.
He warned criminal elements to desist from their activities or face decisive action within the law, while urging residents to continue supporting the police with credible and timely information.
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated Comrade Churchill Oyowe on his re-election as Chairman of the Delta State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
Oyowe secured 235 votes to defeat his sole challenger, Comrade Kenneth Obieh, who polled 218 votes in the keenly contested election.
Oborevwori in a statement issued on Friday in Asaba by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, described the election as free, fair and credible, noting that the close margin between the candidates reflected the competitive nature of the contest.
The Governor congratulated Oyowe on his victory and expressed confidence in his capacity to continue to provide purposeful leadership for the union and promote professionalism in journalism.
Others who also won are; Comrade Patrick Ochei Vice Chairman after polling 241 votes to defeat Comrade Monday Osayande, who secured 173 votes, Comrade Felix Ekwu emerged State Secretary with 273 votes, defeating Comrade Pere Botu, who polled 202 votes and Comrade Josephine Omodior was elected Assistant State Secretary after scoring 264 votes to defeat Comrade Andy Emephia, who secured 188 votes.
Those returned unopposed are; Caroline Ubini – Treasurer, Comrade Toju Oteri – Financial Secretary and Comrade Michael Ilaya – Auditor.
Oborevwori said; “On behalf of my family, the Government and people of Delta State, I congratulate the Chairman, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, and all members of the newly re-elected State Working Committee of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Delta State Council.
“Your re-election is a clear vote of confidence by your colleagues. It shows they trust your leadership, your integrity and your capacity to continue to lead.
“Lead everybody, not just those who voted for you. The election is over. Now is time for unity. Bring everybody together. I urge you to extend a hand of fellowship to your opponent. Delta NUJ must remain united under your leadership”.
