Audu Ogbeh, Former Minister and PDP Chairman, Dies at 78
Audu Ogbeh, a prominent Nigerian politician who served as a former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development and a former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has passed away at the age of 78. His family announced that he died peacefully on Saturday, August 9, 2025.
Further Details and Tributes
Cause of Death: The family has not officially disclosed the cause of death but confirmed that he passed away peacefully.
Political Career: Ogbeh's distinguished career in Nigerian politics included serving as the Federal Minister of Communications from 1982 to 1983 under President Shehu Shagari as a member of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN). He later became the National Chairman of the PDP from 2001 to 2005. His most recent public service was as the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development under President Muhammadu Buhari's administration from 2015 to 2019.
Tributes: Leaders from across the political spectrum have honored Ogbeh, praising his integrity, intellectualism, and dedication to public service.
President Bola Tinubu described him as a patriot with deep convictions who believed in Nigeria's potential, acknowledging his intellectual contributions to policy.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo expressed sadness, calling Ogbeh a peace-loving, committed patriot who significantly contributed to the re-establishment of democracy in Nigeria.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio called his death a huge loss to the nation.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar referred to him as a "quintessential gentleman" and a "true defender of liberal democracy."
Condolences were also shared by former Senate President Bukola Saraki, former Delta State Governor James Ibori, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, all of whom praised his integrity and contributions.
