Audu Ogbeh, a former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and minister of agriculture from 2015 to 2019, is dead.

He died on Saturday, August 9, aged 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 announced in a statement.

“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 was PDP chairman from 2001 to 2005 and served as minister under late ex-President Muhammadu Buhari.

He was also federal minister of communications from 1982 to 1983 during the Shehu Shagari administration.

Ogbeh had previously served as deputy speaker of the Benue state house of assembly after he joined politics in 1979. He was deputy speaker until 1982.