The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, on Friday, November 13, undertook engagements in Warri, Delta State, where he paid a condolence visit to the family of the late former Governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, and also visited the renowned Word of Life Bible Church, founded by Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor.
Obi’s visit to the Uduaghan family was an opportunity to identify with the bereaved family following the death of the former governor, who died on October 19, 2026, at the age of 71.
At the family residence in Warri, the former Anambra State governor was received by Uduaghan’s widow, Deaconess Roli Uduaghan, and his daughter, Orode Uduaghan.
Obi was accompanied by the NDC Delta State governorship candidate, Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, who joined him in expressing condolences and solidarity with the family.
The visit followed the widespread tributes that trailed Uduaghan’s death, with political leaders, former colleagues, associates and prominent Nigerians acknowledging his contributions to Delta State and the country.
Uduaghan served as governor of Delta State from 2007 to 2015. Before becoming governor, he served as Commissioner for Health and Secretary to the State Government under the administration of former Governor James Ibori.
Obi had earlier expressed sadness over his death, describing the late governor as a dear elder brother and recalling the cordial relationship they shared while both served as governors of Anambra and Delta states.
He also recalled their collaboration in advocating for the construction of the Second Niger Bridge, which he described as an important national infrastructure project with implications for commerce, connectivity and national integration.
Beyond the condolence visit, Obi also visited Word of Life Bible Church in Warri, where he met with its founder and senior pastor, Pastor Ayo Oriloye Oritsejafor, popularly known as Papa Ayo Oritsejafor.
Oritsejafor is a prominent Nigerian Christian leader who served as President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) from 2010 to 2016. He is also a former President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria and has remained an influential figure in the country’s Pentecostal and Christian community.
The visit brought Obi into contact with the cleric at the International Gospel Centre, Ajamimogha, Warri, the headquarters of Word of Life Bible Church.
The church visit also came shortly after Oritsejafor marked his birthday on November 10. The cleric’s birthday was celebrated by church members and public figures, including Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who was represented by his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, at a celebration held at the church.
Word of Life Bible Church was also holding its 2026 Jubilee Word Festival, scheduled for November 8 to 15 at the International Gospel Centre in Warri, with Oritsejafor as host.
Although details of the discussions between Obi and the cleric were not immediately available, the visit provided an opportunity for interaction between the NDC presidential candidate and one of Nigeria’s recognised religious leaders.
Obi’s engagements in Warri brought together two distinct aspects of public life: paying respect to the family of a former political leader and visiting a prominent Christian institution and its spiritual head.
With the 2027 general elections approaching, interactions between political figures, traditional institutions, religious leaders and other stakeholders remain part of the country’s public and political landscape. However, no political endorsement or agreement should be inferred from the visits without an explicit statement from the parties involved.
The visits were attended by the NDC Delta State governorship candidate, Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, who accompanied Obi during his engagement with the Uduaghan family.
IBN News — Fearless, Strong & Reliable
