Audu Ogbeh, ex-minister and former PDP chairman, dies at 78

Former national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and one-time minister of agriculture between 2015 and 2019, Chief Audu Ogbeh, has died.

Ogbeh passed away on Saturday, August 9, at the age of 78. His family confirmed in a statement.

“He departed peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, service and dedication to our nation and community,” the statement read. “We are comforted by the many lives he touched and the examples he set.”

The family said details of his funeral arrangements would be announced later, while expressing gratitude to friends, colleagues and well-wishers “for their prayers and support during this time.”

“We will appreciate some privacy at this time while we mourn the loss of our patriarch,” they added.

Ogbeh, a seasoned politician, writer and farmer, chaired the PDP between 2001 and 2005 before serving as minister under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.