By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa ,Nigerian Tracker Political Correspondent

Audu Ogbeh, the former National Chairman of PDP died today, August 9, 2025. Nigerian Tracker News Recounts some iconic and dramatic events during his tenure as the chairman of the party, and his life as a politician.

Chief Audu Innocent Ogbeh is a prominent Nigerian politician, farmer, playwright, and elder statesman who has played significant roles in Nigeria’s political landscape since the Second Republic. His career spans decades, marked by leadership positions, advocacy for agricultural reform, and contributions to national development.

Early Life and Education

Audu Ogbeh was born on August 28, 1946, in Otukpo, Benue State, into the family of Chief Ogbeh Obande. He attended St. Francis College, Otukpo, before proceeding to Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, where he studied English and Literature. He is an Idoma by tribe.

Political Career

Ogbeh began his political career in the Second Republic under the National Party of Nigeria (NPN). In 1979, he was elected as a member of the Federal House of Representatives, representing Idah/Otukpo/Ado/Okpokwu Federal Constituency in Benue State.

The late Audu Ogbeh was appointed Minister of Communications in 1982 under President Shehu Shagari. Though his tenure was cut short by the 1983 military coup led by General Muhammadu Buhari, which ended the Second Republic.

He later returned to politics in the Fourth Republic after years in private business and farming in 1998 during Nigeria’s transition to democracy.

During his tenure as the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from 2001 to 2005, Audu Ogbeh presided over some dramatic and pivotal moments in Nigerian politics. Here are a few key events:

1. Clash with President Obasanjo (2004–2005)
One of the most dramatic episodes during Ogbeh’s chairmanship was his open letter to President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2004, warning him about the rising political tensions in Anambra State following the controversial governorship crisis involving Chris Ngige and Andy Uba. Ogbeh criticized Obasanjo’s handling of the crisis, which strained their relationship and ultimately led to his forced resignation in January 2005. It was rumored that the resignation letter was brought to his residence by Olusegun Obasanjo himself, the then president.

2. Anambra Political Crisis (2003–2005)
Under Ogbeh’s watch, the PDP was embroiled in the infamous Anambra political war, where then-Governor Chris Ngige was kidnapped by AIG Raphael Ige, Governor Chris Ngiges signature was forged and the state chief judge was ordered to swear in the Deputy Governor of Anambra Dr.Ukeh Ude ,all this was allegedly engineered by Chris Uba the Anambra state political godfather . The crisis exposed deep corruption and factionalism within the PDP, and Ogbeh’s attempt to mediate was seen as a direct challenge to Obasanjo’s authority.

3. PDP’s Internal Struggles & Obasanjo’s Dominance.

Ogbeh’s tenure saw increasing factional battles within the PDP, as Obasanjo sought to consolidate control over the party. His resistance to Obasanjo’s high-handedness made him a target, and he was pressured to step down in 2005. Senator Ahmadu Ali took over the mantle of leadership of the party afterwards.

Later Political Career

After leaving the PDP, Ogbeh joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) and served as Minister of Agriculture under President Muhammadu Buhari (2015–2019), where he introduced policies like the Anchor Borrowers’

Before his death, in the month of July, 2025, he granted an interview with the Daily Trust where he said:

“Believe me, I am a sad person. I tried to find happiness, but I am scared of the future. I may not be here [alive], I am way over 70, heading to 80, but I don’t like what I smell. It is very depressing.”

He continued, “Well, I have one wife, five children and eight grandchildren. But I am a rather sad person because I can see dangers ahead.”

His literary side of life also lived with him as he had works related to the field published. The famous among his literary work was the Epitaph Of Simon Kisulu which was staged at Muson Center in 2002.

Late Chief Audu Innocent Ogbeh is an eloquent speaker who speaks the British English and can easily convince his audience.