The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has announced a seven-day mourning period following the death of renowned diplomat, journalist, politician and elder statesman, Chief (Amb.) Patrick Dele Cole, who reportedly passed away in London on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the age of 86.
The prominent Niger Delta leader was said to have died after a brief illness, just weeks after celebrating his 86th birthday.
In a statement issued by its National Chairman, Ambassador Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, OON, PANDEF described Cole’s death as a devastating loss to the Niger Delta, Rivers State and Nigeria, noting that his passing had created a significant vacuum in the region’s intellectual, political and socio-cultural leadership.
The statement, issued on behalf of the organisation’s Board of Trustees and National Executive Committee, said the news of the elder statesman’s demise was received with shock and profound grief.
PANDEF described the late Cole, popularly known as Chief PDC, as a distinguished Nigerian whose contributions to education, journalism, diplomacy, public administration and politics spanned several decades.
The organisation recalled his remarkable career, including his service as Editor-in-Chief of the Daily Times of Nigeria, Presidential Adviser on Foreign Affairs and Nigeria’s Ambassador to Brazil.
It also highlighted his involvement in national politics, including his presidential aspiration under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and membership of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
According to PANDEF, beyond his accomplishments in public service, Cole played an influential role in the emergence and development of several socio-cultural and socio-political organisations dedicated to advancing the interests of the Niger Delta.
The forum particularly acknowledged his intellectual contributions to its formation, describing him as one of the prominent personalities whose experience, wisdom and commitment helped shape the organisation’s vision and activities.
PANDEF noted that Cole remained actively associated with the forum from its formative years until his death, consistently lending his voice to issues concerning the welfare, development and political interests of the Niger Delta people.
The organisation further described the late diplomat as a committed Christian leader and an advocate for the preservation and promotion of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, particularly the traditions and values of the South-South geopolitical zone.
It maintained that his contributions transcended political and ethnic boundaries, reflecting a lifetime devoted to national development, public service and the advancement of his people.
Expressing condolences to the bereaved family, PANDEF extended its sympathies to his son, Rt. Hon. Tonye Cole, other members of the Cole family, and the people of Abonnema in the Kalabari Kingdom of Rivers State, where the deceased held the traditional title of High Chief.
The forum also commiserated with the Ijaw nation, the government and people of Rivers State, and Nigerians generally over what it described as an irreplaceable loss.
While acknowledging the pain occasioned by his death, PANDEF urged the family, associates and admirers of the late statesman to draw consolation from his distinguished life and enduring contributions to society.
As part of arrangements to honour his memory, the organisation directed all its chapters across Nigeria and in the diaspora to suspend official activities of a social nature for seven days.
It further instructed that Cole’s photograph be displayed across all PANDEF media platforms throughout the mourning period as a mark of respect for his life and service.
The directive, according to the statement, is intended to provide members and associates of the organisation an opportunity to reflect on the late statesman’s contributions to the Niger Delta struggle and the broader Nigerian society.
PANDEF prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul and called on Nigerians to remember him for his intellectual achievements, leadership and commitment to public service.
Chief Patrick Dele Cole’s passing marks the end of a distinguished career that cut across journalism, diplomacy, politics and community leadership, leaving behind a legacy of service to the Niger Delta and Nigeria.
The statement was signed by Ambassador Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, OON, National Chairman of PANDEF.
