The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has declared seven days of mourning in honour of its leader and elder statesman, Chief (Ambassador) Patrick Dele Cole, who died in London on Saturday, October 17, 2026, following a brief illness.
Cole, popularly known as Chief PDC, died weeks after celebrating his 86th birthday, leaving behind a legacy of service in journalism, education, diplomacy, public administration and politics.
The National Chairman of PANDEF, Ambassador Dr Godknows Boladei Igali, announced the mourning period in a statement issued on behalf of the organisation’s Board of Trustees and National Executive Committee.
The forum described Cole’s death as a painful and irreplaceable loss, noting that he played a significant role in the socio-cultural and political development of the Niger Delta, particularly during the formation and growth of PANDEF.
According to the statement, Cole was a distinguished national leader whose contributions spanned several sectors of public life.
He served as Editor-in-Chief of the Daily Times of Nigeria, one of the country’s leading national newspapers, and later held the position of Presidential Adviser on Foreign Affairs. He also served as Nigeria’s ambassador to Brazil.
His political career included a presidential bid under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and membership of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
PANDEF noted that beyond his professional and political achievements, Cole brought considerable intellectual depth and experience to the various socio-cultural and socio-political organisations in the Niger Delta.
The forum also acknowledged his contributions as a Christian leader and advocate of Nigeria’s cultural heritage, particularly the traditions and identities of the South-South region.
Expressing condolences over his death, PANDEF extended its sympathies to his son, Rt. Hon. Tonye Cole, other members of the Cole family, the people of Abonnema in the Kalabari Kingdom, the Ijaw nation, the Rivers State Government and the people of Rivers State, as well as Nigerians across the country.
The organisation urged the bereaved family and the wider Niger Delta community to draw comfort from the distinguished life and enduring contributions of the late elder statesman.
As part of measures to honour his memory, PANDEF directed all its chapters in Nigeria and the diaspora to suspend official social activities for seven days, beginning October 18, 2026.
The organisation also directed that its media platforms should feature Cole’s photograph throughout the mourning period.
The statement concluded with a prayer for the peaceful repose of the late leader’s soul.
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