President Bola Tinubu has paid tribute to late NADECO leader Ralph Obioha, honouring his sacrifices for democracy and his commitment to justice and constitutional governance.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid tribute to Chief Ralph Obioha, describing the late statesman, businessman, former lawmaker and prominent pro-democracy activist as a Nigerian who made significant sacrifices for the restoration of democratic rule.
Obioha, a founding member and prominent leader of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), died on October 3, 2026, at the age of 80. His death was announced by his family.
In a condolence message issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu extended his sympathies to Obioha’s family, community, the people of Imo State, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, members of NADECO and other Nigerians mourning the former lawmaker.
Tinubu described Obioha as part of a generation of Nigerians who responded to the demands of national duty during some of the country’s most difficult periods.
The President particularly acknowledged his role in the struggle for the restoration of democracy following the annulment of the June 12, 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,” Tinubu said.
The President noted that Obioha’s commitment to the pro-democracy struggle came at considerable personal cost, but said he remained committed to democracy, justice, constitutionalism and the right of Nigerians to choose their leaders.
Obioha was among the 49 eminent Nigerians who signed the document establishing NADECO in 1994 following the annulment of the June 12 election. He subsequently played a prominent role in the organisation’s activities in the United States and Canada during the military era.
Tinubu said the contributions of Nigerians who stood firm during difficult periods in the country’s history should not be forgotten.
“Chief Ralph Obioha was a courageous Nigerian who made sacrifices for democracy and remained committed to the ideals of a better Nigeria,” the President said.
He added that Obioha’s legacy would be remembered for his courage, convictions, service and belief in Nigeria.
“His passing is a loss to his family, his community and the nation. We shall remember him for his courage, his convictions, his service and his belief in Nigeria,” Tinubu said.
The President prayed for comfort for Obioha’s family and eternal rest for the deceased, adding that his memory should remain a reminder that nation-building requires courage, sacrifice, conviction and faith.
Obioha, who served in the House of Representatives during the Second Republic, was also a former national chairman of the Justice Party and former chairman of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Caretaker Committee.
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