Former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and minister of agriculture between 2015 and 2019, Audu Ogbeh, has passed away.
He died on Saturday, August 9, at the age of 78.
“He departed peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, service and dedication to our nation and community. We are comforted by the many lives he touched and the examples he set,” his family stated in an announcement.
“Details of the funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course.
“We thank 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.”
Ogbeh led the PDP from 2001 to 2005 and also served as a minister under the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Before then, he was the federal minister of communications from 1982 to 1983 during Shehu Shagari’s presidency.
Earlier in his political career, Ogbeh held the position of deputy speaker in the Benue State House of Assembly in the late 1970s.