Patrick Dele-Cole

Patrick Dele-Cole (born 1940) is a Nigerian politician, journalist, historian, and diplomat who in 1976 became the managing director of the Daily Times. He was also a presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party in the early 1990s, and was Nigeria's ambassador to Argentina and Brazil.

He is author of the book Modern Traditional Elites in the Politics of Lagos.

Early life and education

Patrick Dele Cole attended the University of Otago in New Zealand, where he graduated with a first-class honours degree. He later pursued further studies at the University of Cambridge.

Journalism career

Cole began his career in journalism and, in 1976, was appointed managing director of the Daily Times of Nigeria. During his tenure, the newspaper regained its prominence as one of Africa's leading newspapers. He recruited several notable journalists, including Dele Giwa and Stanley Macebuh.

Political career

Cole served as Nigeria's Ambassador to Brazil from 1990 to 1993 during the administration of General Ibrahim Babangida. In 2007, he contested the People's Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primary in Rivers State but was unsuccessful.

He subsequently challenged the outcome of the primary election in court.

Cole has continued to comment on governance, public policy and national political issues through newspaper columns and media interviews.