Audu Ogbeh, Former PDP Chairman and Minister, Dies at 78

By Iyojo Ameh

Chief Audu Ogbeh, a distinguished figure in Nigerian politics who served as chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and held key ministerial roles, has passed away peacefully at age 78. His family released a statement today saying he departed “leaving behind a legacy of integrity, service and dedication to our nation and community.” Details regarding his funeral will be announced in due course.

Political and Ministerial Career

PDP National Chairman (2001–2005)
Ogbeh led the PDP during a notable period in Nigeria’s political landscape, guiding party strategy and internal affairs until early 2005.

Minister of Communications (1982–1983)
Under President Shehu Shagari, he briefly served as federal Minister of Communications during Nigeria’s Second Republic.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (2015–2019)
Appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari, Ogbeh embarked on an ambitious mission to revitalize Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

Launching mechanisms like the Agricultural Inputs Mechanisation and Management Services (AIMMS) to enhance input distribution transparency and reduce fraud.

Overseeing a surge in agricultural export revenue reportedly a 180% increase to over ₦5 billion and forging partnerships with firms like John Deere for tractor mechanization.

Stimulating job creation: According to Ogbeh, the agriculture sector generated 6 million jobs in two years, largely due to boosts in local rice production.

Advocating for mechanized, research-based farming, soil analysis, and youth engagement, while pushing for improved logistics, irrigation infrastructure, and cooperative farming clusters.

Promoting Nigeria as an agricultural export hub, anchoring policies that reduced import dependency and strengthened food security.

Aligning initiatives with broader goals including the Sustainable Development Goals notably hunger reduction, food security, and nutrition through the Agricultural Promotion Policy (2016–2020).

Audu Ogbeh’s tenure in public service reflected a steadfast commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s agricultural economy and modernizing its rural communities. His efforts spanned from combatting corruption in agricultural inputs to transforming farming into a viable, technology-driven enterprise and championing export-led growth.

He will be remembered as a statesman whose vision extended beyond politics into the fields and homes of Nigerian farmers.