ABUJA, Nigeria – Chinwoke Mbadinuju, a former governor of Anambra State, has died at the age of 78. His son, Chetachi Mbadinuju, announced his passing on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, in a statement made available to The Trent.
“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,” Chetachi said in the statement. “He passed on peacefully this morning at the National Hospital Abuja after a brief illness.”
The family has yet to announce the funeral arrangements for the late governor.
Mbadinuju served as the governor of Anambra State from May 1999 to May 2003 under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He sought re-election under the PDP, but was denied the party’s ticket amid controversial circumstances due to an internal crisis within the party at the time. He later defected to the now-defunct Alliance for Democracy, where he emerged as the party’s governorship candidate but lost in the general election.
Mbadinuju began his political career as a personal assistant to a former governor of old Enugu State, Jim Nwobodo, between 1979 and 1980, before playing the same role for former Nigeria’s Head of State, Shehu Shagari, between 1980 and 1983.
His death has prompted an outpouring of condolences from prominent political figures in Nigeria, including current Governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, who described him as a “great son of Anambra.”
“He was a dogged fighter for democracy and the rule of law,” Obiano said in a statement. “His legacy will continue to inspire the younger generation of politicians to serve their people with dedication and commitment.”
