Lagos, 9 August 2025 – Audu Ogbeh, a prominent Nigerian politician who served as Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development from 2015 to 2019 and as National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has passed away at the age of 78.
Mr Ogbeh died peacefully on Saturday, 9 August 2025, according to a statement released by his family. The family described him as a dedicated public servant, noting: “He departed peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, service and dedication to our nation and community.”
Born on 28 July 1947 in Otukpo, Benue State, Mr Ogbeh had a distinguished career spanning academia, business and politics. He began as a lecturer at Ahmadu Bello University before venturing into banking and eventually entering public service. His political journey gained prominence in the early 1980s when he was appointed Minister of Communications under President Shehu Shagari’s administration from 1982 to 1983.
Mr Ogbeh later became a key figure in the PDP, serving as its National Chairman from 2001 to 2005. He played a significant role in the party’s early dominance in Nigerian politics. In 2015, after defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC), he was appointed Minister of Agriculture by President Muhammadu Buhari, a position he held until 2019. During his tenure, he advocated for agricultural reforms, including efforts to boost local rice production and reduce food imports.
President Bola Tinubu paid tribute to Mr Ogbeh, calling him a patriot whose contributions to Nigeria would be remembered. In a statement from his spokesperson, Mr Tinubu said: “Nigeria has lost a patriot in Audu Ogbeh.”
In what appears to have been his final interview before his death, Mr Ogbeh expressed concerns about Nigeria’s future, warning of “dangers ahead” for the country. The interview, published recently, highlighted his ongoing commitment to national issues even in retirement.
Tributes have poured in from across the political spectrum, with many hailing his integrity and contributions to Nigeria’s development. Mr Ogbeh is survived by his family, including children and grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in due course.
This is a developing story, and further details will be provided as they become available.
