Abuja, 7 October 2026
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mourned the death of Chief Ralph Obioha, describing the former lawmaker, businessman and statesman as a patriot whose courage and sacrifices in Nigeria’s struggle for democracy must not be forgotten.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President extended his condolences to Chief Obioha’s family, his community, the people of Abia State, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, members of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), and all Nigerians mourning the late elder.
President Tinubu said Chief Obioha belonged to a generation of Nigerians who answered the call of duty at some of the most difficult moments in the nation’s history. He recalled that, as a founding member and prominent leader of NADECO, Chief Obioha stood firmly for democratic governance after the annulment of the 12 June 1993 presidential election.
“As a founding member and prominent leader of NADECO, Chief Obioha stood firmly on the side of democratic governance during the struggle for the restoration of democracy following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election,” the President said.
“His commitment to the pro democracy cause came at considerable personal cost. Yet, despite the challenges and pressures of those difficult years, he remained steadfast in his belief that Nigeria’s destiny was inseparable from democracy, justice, constitutionalism and the right of the Nigerian people to choose their leaders.”
The President added that the passage of time might dim memories, but the contributions of patriots who stood firm during difficult chapters of the nation’s history must never be forgotten.
“Chief Ralph Obioha was a courageous Nigerian who made sacrifices for democracy and remained committed to the ideals of a better Nigeria,” he said. “His generation faced extraordinary challenges, and he played his part in defending the principles he believed would strengthen our democracy and our nation.”
He described the death as a loss to the family, the community and the nation, and said Chief Obioha would be remembered for his courage, his convictions, his service and his belief in Nigeria.
“On behalf of the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria, I extend my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. I pray that Almighty God grants them comfort and gives eternal rest to the soul of Chief Ralph Obioha,” the President said.
He added: “May the memory of Chief Ralph Obioha endure as a reminder that the building of a nation requires courage, sacrifice, conviction and faith.”
Chief Obioha, a Second Republic member of the House of Representatives and a founding figure of NADECO, died on Saturday, 3 October 2026, at the age of 80. His family announced the death earlier in the week.
By A.Ikechukwu
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