By John Umeh
Nigeria’s political landscape has been thrown into mourning following the death of Chief Audu Ogbeh, a former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development and one-time National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He passed away at the age of 78, leaving behind a legacy of public service, political resilience, and commitment to national development.
Details surrounding his death remain sketchy, but family sources confirmed that the veteran politician died after a brief illness. Tributes have since begun pouring in from political leaders, colleagues, and citizens across the country, reflecting the immense impact Ogbeh had on Nigeria’s governance and political history.
Born on July 28, 1947, in Otukpo, Benue State, Audu Ogbeh’s career spanned several decades. A man of many talents, he was not only a politician but also a farmer, educator, and writer. He first served as Minister of Communications in the Second Republic before becoming Minister of Steel Development. However, his most prominent national role came when he was appointed National Chairman of the PDP in 2001, a position he held until 2005.
In 2015, under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, Ogbeh returned to national service as Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. During his tenure, he championed policies aimed at boosting food production, encouraging local farming, and reducing Nigeria’s dependence on food imports. He was widely respected for his simple lifestyle, intellectual depth, and passion for rural development.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Atiku Abubakar, and other political figures have expressed their condolences, describing Ogbeh as a patriotic Nigerian who dedicated his life to the service of the nation.
Chief Audu Ogbeh is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in the coming days.
His death marks the end of an era for Nigerian politics — a voice of reason, a bridge-builder, and a champion of agricultural transformation who will be greatly missed.
If you want, I can also prepare a more emotional tribute version of this story for a human-interest angle. That style usually resonates more with readers.
