By Our Correspondent
Nigeria’s political class has been thrown into mourning following the death of former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, a veteran politician and statesman whose career spanned the military and democratic eras.
Ogbeh, 78, passed away on Saturday, his family announced, marking the end of a decades-long journey in national service. Born in Otukpo, Benue State, Ogbeh was a respected farmer, writer, and public intellectual who served in various political capacities, including as National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from 2001 to 2005.
President Bola Tinubu, in a condolence message to the government and people of Benue State, described Ogbeh as “a patriot whose wisdom, dedication, and pursuit of progress left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s political landscape.
“He was always ready with facts and figures to support his propositions. The nation will sorely miss his insightful perspectives and wealth of experience,” presidential aide Bayo Onanuga conveyed on his behalf.
Tinubu further acknowledged “Ogbeh’s intellectual contributions to policy formulation and his articulation of practical solutions to complex national challenges.”
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, under whose administration Ogbeh served as Agriculture Minister between 1999 and 2001, also expressed deep shock and sadness.
He described the late politician as “a peace-loving, unassuming, committed patriot and a firm believer in democracy and participatory governance.
“Chief Audu Ogbeh will be missed for his unwavering commitment to politics, governance and democracy, as he made significant contributions to the re-establishment of democracy in Nigeria. His place will be very difficult to fill within his community, the State, the Party and the nation.”
Ogbeh, who was known for his principled approach to politics, played a visible role in Nigeria’s return to civilian rule in 1999 and remained a strong voice in national discourse until his passing.
The 19 northern governors, speaking through their Chairman, Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, hailed him as “a towering political figure, a statesman of uncommon intellect, and an iconic son of Northern Nigeria who devoted his life to national development and public service.
“Chief Ogbeh was an accomplished leader, a seasoned politician and a multifaceted scholar whose contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey and development will remain etched in history.”
