Death of Patrick Dele Cole a Monumental Loss to Niger Delta, Nigeria — Says PANDEF — Forum Orders Seven Days of Mourning for Late Diplomat, SDP Presidential Candidate

 

By Wilson Macaulay

YENAGOA — The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has described the death of renowned elder statesman, diplomat, journalist and former presidential candidate, Chief (Ambassador) Patrick Dele Cole, as a monumental loss to the Niger Delta and Nigeria, declaring a seven-day mourning period in honour of his distinguished life and enduring contributions to national development.

Chief Cole, fondly known as PDC, reportedly died in London on October 17, 2026, at the age of 86, following a brief illness, weeks after celebrating his birthday.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to journalism, education, diplomacy, politics and the struggle for the advancement of the Niger Delta, PANDEF has directed all its chapters across Nigeria and the diaspora to suspend official social activities for seven days, beginning Monday, October 19, 2026.

The directive was contained in a condolence statement issued by PANDEF National Chairman, Ambassador Dr Godknows Boladei Igali, OON, on behalf of the organisation's Board of Trustees and National Executive Committee.

The forum expressed profound shock and deep sorrow over the passing of the respected national figure, describing his death as a painful and irreplaceable loss to his family, the Niger Delta and the country.

PANDEF noted that Chief Cole's remarkable career and public service distinguished him as a man whose influence transcended professional boundaries, with his contributions spanning the media, public administration, international diplomacy, partisan politics and regional advocacy.

A towering figure in Nigeria's media industry, the late statesman served as Editor-in-Chief of the Daily Times of Nigeria, one of the country's foremost national newspapers, where he played a significant role in shaping public discourse during a defining period in the nation's history.

His journalistic career, intellectual depth and engagement with national issues earned him recognition as one of the prominent figures whose professional contributions helped shape Nigeria's media and political landscape.

Beyond journalism, Chief Cole served in strategic public positions, including as Presidential Adviser on Foreign Affairs and Nigeria's Ambassador to Brazil, where he contributed to the country's diplomatic engagements and international relations.

His political career also saw him emerge as a presidential candidate under the Social Democratic Party (SDP), reflecting his participation in Nigeria's democratic development. He subsequently served on the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), further underscoring his involvement in the country's political evolution.

PANDEF Mourns a Pillar of Niger Delta Advocacy

Beyond his national and international assignments, PANDEF particularly acknowledged Chief Cole's invaluable contributions to the socio-cultural, political and developmental aspirations of the Niger Delta.

The organisation described him as one of the prominent figures associated with its formation and growth, noting that his wealth of experience, intellectual capacity and national stature contributed significantly to its activities from its formative years until his death.

According to the forum, the late elder statesman's commitment to the Niger Delta reflected his determination to advance the interests of the South-South geopolitical zone and strengthen the region's voice in national affairs.

His participation in PANDEF provided the organisation with the benefit of his experience, counsel and understanding of Nigeria's political and institutional dynamics.

For the forum, his passing represents the loss of a respected elder whose contributions to regional advocacy and engagement with national leadership will remain an important part of its history.

PANDEF also recognised Chief Cole's standing as a Christian leader and advocate of Nigeria's cultural heritage, particularly the traditions and identities of the peoples of the South-South region.

The organisation noted that his life reflected a combination of intellectual engagement, faith, public service and cultural consciousness, qualities that earned him respect across different sections of society.

Condoles with Cole Family, Abonnema, Ijaw Nation

In extending its condolences, PANDEF conveyed special sympathies to the late statesman's son, Rt. Hon. Tonye Cole, and other members of the Cole family over the loss of their patriarch.

The forum also extended its condolences to the people of Abonnema in the Kalabari Kingdom, where the deceased held the revered title of High Chief, as well as the Ijaw nation, the government and people of Rivers State, and Nigerians across the country.

It urged the bereaved family, his community, associates and the wider Niger Delta to draw strength and comfort from the distinguished life he lived and the enduring contributions he made to society.

The organisation acknowledged that although his death had created a painful vacuum, his record of service, commitment to public affairs and contributions to the region would continue to inspire future generations.

Seven-Day Mourning, Special Media Tribute

As part of its measures to honour the departed statesman, PANDEF directed all its chapters across Nigeria and the diaspora to suspend official social activities for seven days, commencing Monday, October 19, 2026.

The organisation also instructed that Chief Cole's image be prominently displayed across all PANDEF media platforms throughout the mourning period as a symbolic tribute to his memory and contributions.

The measures, according to the forum, reflect the depth of the loss felt within the organisation and its determination to accord one of its prominent figures an appropriate institutional farewell.

Chief Cole's death marks the end of a remarkable chapter in the life of a public figure whose career traversed journalism, education, government, diplomacy, partisan politics and regional advocacy.

From his leadership role at the Daily Times to his service as Presidential Adviser on Foreign Affairs and Ambassador to Brazil, and his participation in Nigeria's democratic process, the late statesman maintained a sustained engagement with issues of national importance.

For the Niger Delta, his association with PANDEF and his commitment to the region's cultural, socio-political and developmental aspirations remain significant aspects of his public legacy.

PANDEF concluded its condolence message with a prayer for the peaceful repose of his soul, expressing hope that his family, associates and the wider Niger Delta community would find comfort in the memory of his distinguished life and service.

May his soul rest in perfect peace.