A former governor of Anambra and predecessor of Peter Obi the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Chinwoke Mbadinuju, has died at the age of 78.
The news of his death was announced by his family in a statement on Tuesday.
Mbadinuju served as the governor of Anambra between May 1999 and May 2003 when he passed the baton to Peter Obi.
He had served as a personal assistant to Jim Nwobodo, a former governor of Enugu, between 1979 and 1980, before playing the same role for Shehu Shagari, former Nigeria’s president, between 1980 and 1983.
According to the statement, the former governor passed at the National Hospital Abuja after a brief illness.
“With heavy hearts but utmost gratitude to God for a life well spent, we announce the passing of our father, grandfather, uncle, friend, and associate, Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju, a former governor of Anambra State and elder statesman,” the statement reads.
“Odera as he was fondly called, passed peacefully at the age of 78 years on the morning of the 11th of April, 2023 at the National Hospital Abuja after a brief illness, surrounded by his family and loved ones.
“At this trying time, we pray for God’s grace and mercy upon him and those left behind to mourn him. His funeral arrangements will be announced in due course by the family.”
