Tinubu, Gov Alia , others mourn death of ex-PDP Nat’l  chairman, Audu Ogbeh

By Attah Ede

President Ahmed Bola Tinubu has condoled with the government and people of Benue State on the passing of Chief Audu Ogbeh, the former national Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

 President Tinubu also commiserated with the late statesman’s family, friends and associates.

He said stated Chief Ogbeh, who was 78 years old, served Nigeria in several administrations, including as Minister of Communications in the Second Republic and later as Minister of Agriculture under President Muhammadu Buhari.

President Tinubu in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, acknowledged Chief Ogbeh’s intellectual contributions to policy formulation and his articulation of practical solutions to complex national challenges.

 “The President believes Chief Ogbeh, who joined politics in the 70s as a legislator, was a founding member of the All Progressives Congress.

“Chief Audu Ogbeh was 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”, President Tinubu said.

The President pray that the Almighty God will receive the departed’s soul, and comfort his family.

Similarly, Benue State governor Hyacinth  Alia, said he received with sadness the news of the passing of elder statesman, patriarch and former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Innocent Audu Ogbeh, whose demise took place on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at the age of 78.

Governor Alia who received the sad news this morning, expressed regret over the death of the former lawmaker, who was elected into the Benue State House of Assembly on the platform of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), in 1979, where he was the deputy speaker. 

He, however, stated that as a politician, former Federal Minister of Communications, former Minister of Steel Development, former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), farmer and playwright, the late Chief Ogbeh lived a successful and fulfilled life, and was greatly respected and admired by many, adding that his legacies will always be remembered.

The governor in a statement by his chief press secretary, Tersoo Kula, prayed to God to grant his immediate family, the Idoma nation, the entire people of Benue State and Nigeria as a whole, the fortitude to bear this great loss, and to also grant the soul of Chief Audu Ogbeh eternal rest.

Meanwhile, the senator representing Benue South Senatorial District and Senate Minority Leader, Comrade Abba Moro, has described late Chief Ogbeh as a good man and great personality who touched so many lives and contributed greatly to the development of Benue South, Benue State and Nigeria at large.

Sen. Moro on behalf of the people of Zone C mourns former National Chairman of PDP, former Minister of Agriculture and an APC chieftain, Chief Audu Ogbeh who died on Saturday at the age of 78.

He said chief’s death is akin to a fallen iroko in the forest, stating that a large vacuum has been created.

The senator recalled fond memories with the deceased and says his death is a personal loss to him.

Comrade Moro in a statement  by his Media Adviser, Emmanuel Eche’Ofun John, extend his heartfelt condolences to the immediate family and the entire people of Ogbadibo Local Government Area and prayed God to give them the hearts to bear the irreplaceable loss.