Former Vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has described the death of Chief Audu Ogbeh, a former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as a great loss not only to his family but to the entire nation.
Speaking during a night of tribute and service of songs held in honour of the late politician, Atiku revealed emotional and personal insights into his relationship with Ogbeh, recalling his brilliance, integrity, and deep commitment to the Nigerian people.
Atiku confessed that he was “shocked” when he heard of Ogbeh’s passing, noting that even though he was out of the country at the time, the news struck him as a personal tragedy.
“When Chief Audu Ogbeh passed away, I was out of the country. Yet, I felt a deep sense of personal loss. This was because of the close relationship we shared in government, his invaluable contributions to our party and our nation, and the way we worked hand in hand on many occasions,” Atiku said.
The former Vice President painted a glowing picture of Ogbeh as a man of exceptional intelligence and a true patriot whose contributions to governance and national development were undeniable. According to him, what struck him most was Ogbeh’s brilliance and intellectual depth. He described him as one of the most intelligent men he had ever worked with, recalling how his pedigree as a product of King’s College, Lagos, was evident in his sharp mind and principled lifestyle.
“One thing I admired most in him was his brilliance and intelligence. I have always cherished working with people of great intellect, and he was certainly one of them. No wonder he was a product of King’s College, a school known for its high standards and rigorous admission process,” Atiku remarked.
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The former PDP chieftain further noted that Ogbeh’s commitment to honesty and integrity stood him out in Nigeria’s often turbulent political space, stressing that he lived and died as a principled leader who never compromised on values. He explained that Chief Ogbeh was not just a politician but a man of the people who consistently championed the cause of the ordinary Nigerian.
“He lived for the common man. He lived for integrity, honesty, and principle. Having worked with him closely, I can attest that he embodied these virtues at all times,” Atiku added.
Atiku made it clear that Ogbeh’s death should not be seen as a tragedy for the family alone but as a collective national loss. He called on Nigerians to honour the values that Ogbeh represented, insisting that the late elder statesman embodied honesty, patriotism, and dedication to national unity.
“The passing of Chief Audu Ogbeh is not just a loss to his family—it is our collective loss. It is a loss to Nigeria. And so, I stand here, together with my wife, to console the family and to pay tribute to a life well spent,” he said.
The solemn night of tribute was attended by dignitaries, political associates, family members, and friends who gathered to celebrate the life and times of the former PDP chairman. The programme also featured a service of songs, with renditions of hymns and soul-lifting music to comfort the bereaved family and guests.
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Chief Audu Ogbeh, who served as National Chairman of the PDP between 2001 and 2005, was widely respected for his principled stance on national issues and his fearless defense of democratic values. Even after leaving office, he remained an influential voice in Nigeria’s political and policy circles, serving as Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development under the Buhari administration.
Atiku, in his remarks, urged Nigerians to reflect on Ogbeh’s legacy of service, honesty, and sacrifice, describing him as an enduring symbol of principled politics in a country often clouded by self-interest. He concluded his tribute by praying for Ogbeh’s peaceful repose.
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