Former NADECO Leader And Ex Lawmaker Dies

Chief Ralph Obioha, a prominent pro-democracy activist, businessman and former lawmaker, has died.

Naija News reports that Obioha became widely known during Nigeria’s political crisis in the 1990s through his activities with the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), a group that campaigned for the restoration of democracy after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

During the period of military rule, Obioha played a major role in the pro-democracy struggle outside Nigeria.

He operated from Canada and the United States, where he joined other activists in seeking international support for the restoration of the democratic mandate believed to have been won in the June 12 election.

His political career also included service in Nigeria’s House of Representatives during the Second Republic.

Obioha later established the Justice Party, which participated in the 2003 presidential election with Reverend Chris Okotie as its candidate.

He was also involved in the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, serving as chairman of its Caretaker Committee at a time when the organization was working to advance the interests of people from the South-East.

In June 2026, President Bola Tinubu conferred a national honour on Obioha alongside other Nigerians associated with the June 12 democratic struggle.

The award recognized his contribution to the pro-democracy movement and the sacrifices he made during the years of military rule.