Former Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District, Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi, has died after a prolonged illness, marking the end of a significant political career that spanned decades of party leadership and legislative service at both state and national levels.
The death of the former lawmaker was officially confirmed in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Delta State Governor, Festus Ahon, on Friday.
Ejes Gist News reports that the announcement triggered widespread reactions across Delta State and beyond, particularly among political stakeholders in the Anioma region and the National Assembly.
Cause of Death
According to information disclosed by the Delta State Government, Senator Nwaoboshi reportedly died after battling an illness that lasted for several months. While specific medical details were not disclosed by the family or government officials, sources confirmed that the illness had kept the former senator away from public engagements for an extended period before his death.
No further details were released regarding the circumstances surrounding his final moments, in line with the family’s request for privacy.
Delta Governor Reacts to Nwaoboshi’s Death
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the former senator, describing it as a major loss to Delta State, the Anioma people, and the country at large.
In an official condolence message, the governor referred to Senator Nwaoboshi as a distinguished son of Delta State whose voice and influence were instrumental in advancing the interests of the Anioma nation and the Niger Delta region.
“On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I mourn the passing of my dear friend, Senator Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi,” Governor Oborevwori said.
The governor extended his condolences to the immediate family of the deceased, members of the Anioma nation, his political associates, and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), noting that many lives were touched by Nwaoboshi’s years of public service.
Political Career at the National Assembly
Senator Peter Nwaoboshi represented Delta North Senatorial District at the National Assembly from 2015 to 2023, during which he played a visible role in legislative debates and committee leadership.
During his tenure in the Senate, Nwaoboshi served as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs, a position that placed him at the center of discussions on oil-producing communities, environmental remediation, and infrastructural development in the Niger Delta.
Governor Oborevwori recalled that in this role, the late senator consistently championed policies and interventions aimed at improving living conditions in Delta State and other Niger Delta communities.
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Contributions to Niger Delta Development
As chairman of the Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Nwaoboshi was involved in oversight activities related to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and other intervention agencies.
According to the governor’s statement, Nwaoboshi used his legislative platform to advocate for:
- Increased funding for Niger Delta development projects
- Accountability in intervention agencies
- Infrastructure development in oil-producing communities
- Improved social welfare for residents of the region
These efforts, the governor noted, contributed to his reputation as a fearless advocate for regional development within the National Assembly.
Leadership Within Political Parties
Beyond his role in the Senate, Nwaoboshi was a prominent political figure in Delta State, with a history of leadership within Nigeria’s major political parties.
He served two tenures as Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, where he was credited with strengthening party structures and grassroots mobilisation across the state.
Governor Oborevwori described Nwaoboshi’s political rise as one rooted in strong political heritage, discipline, and commitment to democratic principles. These attributes, according to the governor, earned him respect across party lines.
Legacy of Public Service
In reflecting on the former senator’s life, Governor Oborevwori described him as a devoted public servant who dedicated his political career to serving his people, his party, and the nation.
The governor noted that Nwaoboshi’s political journey was characterised by:
- Selfless leadership
- Loyalty to party ideals
- Courage in political engagement
- Consistency in public advocacy
According to the statement, these qualities defined his legacy and contributed to his prominence in Delta State politics over several decades.
Reactions From Anioma and Beyond
The death of Senator Nwaoboshi has generated reactions across the Anioma region, where he was widely regarded as one of the most influential political figures of his generation.
Community leaders, party members, and former colleagues described his passing as a significant loss, particularly at a time when experienced political voices are considered crucial to navigating national and regional challenges.
Although official statements from political parties and the National Assembly were still emerging at the time of reporting, sources indicated that tributes were expected from lawmakers who worked with him during his time in the Senate.
Family and Funeral Arrangements
As of the time of this report, the family of the late senator had not announced details regarding burial or funeral arrangements. Government officials indicated that such information would be communicated in due course, following consultations with the family.
The Delta State Government stated that it would continue to engage with the family and relevant stakeholders to honour the former lawmaker in line with his contributions to the state and the nation.
Senator Nwaoboshi’s Place in Delta Political History
Senator Peter Nwaoboshi remains a notable figure in Delta State’s political history, having combined party leadership with legislative influence at the national level. His representation of Delta North from 2015 to 2023 placed him among key voices from the South-South geopolitical zone during a period of intense national debate on resource control, federal allocation, and regional development.
Governor Oborevwori concluded that the late senator’s contributions to democracy and governance would not be forgotten, describing his life as one marked by service, conviction, and commitment to public duty.
