President Tinubu, Obasanjo, Akpabio, Akume , Others, Mourn, Audu Ogbeh, Veteran Politician, Ex-Agric Minister and PDP Chairman
RYNI News | Omotayo Stephen . O
10 August 2025

Nigeria is in mourning following the passing of Chief Audu Ogbeh, a seasoned politician whose career spanned more than four decades across several political parties and national roles. The former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development under the Buhari administration died on Saturday, August 9, at the age of 78, according to a statement from his family.
Born in Efugo-Otukpa, Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State, Ogbeh entered politics in the late 1970s and quickly rose through the ranks, serving as Deputy Speaker of the Benue House of Assembly before being appointed Minister of Communications in the Second Republic at the age of 32 under President Shehu Shagari.
In 2001, Ogbeh took the reins as National Chairman of the PDP, leading Africa’s then-largest political party through critical moments in Nigeria’s democratic history. Though he resigned in 2005 following disagreements with then-President Olusegun Obasanjo, his legacy as a principled leader remained untarnished.
Ogbeh returned to national service in 2015, appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari as Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. During his tenure, he championed agricultural reforms, supported local food production, and promoted agro-entrepreneurship, policies that reshaped Nigeria’s food security landscape.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his condolence message, described Ogbeh as “a patriot whose wisdom and commitment to national development left an impact on Nigeria’s political life.” He highlighted the late politician’s contributions to policy discussions and practical approaches to governance.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, paid a condolence visit to Ogbeh’s Abuja residence, calling him “a distinguished public servant” who contributed to governance at multiple levels. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, reacting from Uganda, described him as “a committed patriot and believer in participatory democracy.”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio referred to Ogbeh as “a dedicated Nigerian who played a role in shaping our democratic journey,” while former Vice President Atiku Abubakar noted that he was “a development-minded politician who blended intellectualism with pragmatism.”
Former Senate President David Mark called Ogbeh “a rare breed of political leader who believed in justice, fairness and equity,” and recalled their longstanding political association. Former Delta State Governor James Ibori recounted a political encounter during the 2003 elections in which Ogbeh, then PDP chairman, declined to block his candidacy despite political pressure.
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia expressed his condolences, calling Ogbeh “a guiding light for generations of Nigerian leaders. ”The Northern States Governors’ Forum described Ogbeh as “an accomplished leader and seasoned politician,” while the Arewa Consultative Forum noted his contributions to agriculture, highlighting his work in introducing agricultural reform initiatives aimed at improving transparency and mechanisation.
Beyond politics, Ogbeh was known for his interests in farming, education, and writing. A farmer by profession, he combined public service with agricultural advocacy, often championing self-sufficiency and rural development.
Chief Audu Ogbeh’s career reflected Nigeria’s political evolution over the past four decades, moving between parties, holding ministerial posts, and participating in key moments of governance. While reactions to his passing differ in emphasis, there is broad agreement that his contributions spanned politics, agriculture, and public discourse.
He is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in the coming days.
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