Tributes have poured in from across Nigeria following the death of former Agriculture Minister and PDP National Chairman, Chief Audu Ogbeh.
President Bola Tinubu described Ogbeh as a patriot whose intellect and dedication had left an “indelible mark” on the country’s political history. He praised Ogbeh’s habit of backing his arguments with solid facts and his ability to propose practical solutions to complex national problems.
“The nation will sorely miss his insightful perspectives and wealth of experience,” Tinubu’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, said in a statement.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo said he was shocked and saddened by Ogbeh’s passing, calling him “a peace-loving, unassuming, committed patriot and a firm believer in democracy”. He noted that Ogbeh’s political journey stretched from the military era to Nigeria’s current democratic period, adding that his contributions to restoring democracy would be difficult to replace.
The 19 northern governors also honoured Ogbeh’s memory, describing him as “a towering political figure, a statesman of uncommon intellect, and an iconic son of Northern Nigeria”. Speaking for the group, Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa said Ogbeh’s legacy as an accomplished leader, seasoned politician, and scholar would remain etched in history.
The Labour Party’s Interim National Chairman, Nenadi Usman, called Ogbeh a principled and patriotic leader who served with distinction. She described him as a personal mentor and father figure who was always ready to offer wise counsel.
“While we mourn this illustrious Nigerian, we must take solace in the fact that Chief Ogbeh lived a truly fulfilled life,” she said.
