Ogbeh Resisted Orders to Thwart My Re-election in 2003, Recalls Ibori 

Former Delta State Governor, James Ibori, has expressed that the late Audu Ogbeh was among the most proficient National Chairmen the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has ever known.

He conveyed this sentiment in a statement shared on X, mourning Ogbeh, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 78.

The former governor remarked that Ogbeh was a man of integrity who championed internal democracy within the party.

Ibori was first elected as governor in 1999 and subsequently re-elected in 2003, during Ogbeh’s tenure as National Chairman of the PDP from 2001 to 2005.

The former governor revealed that while Ogbeh served as PDP chairman, he was commanded by higher authorities to obstruct his re-election in 2003 but chose not to comply with such directives.

According to Ibori, Ogbeh was impervious to monetary inducements or corruption.

Ibori stated, “I received with profound sadness the news of Chief Audu Ogbeh’s passing, former National Chairman of the PDP and ex-Minister of Agriculture.

“He was among the most effective chairmen the PDP has ever produced. He was not swayed by financial gain or corruption; he upheld internal democracy within the party and was a man of integrity.

“The late Audu Ogbeh was a humble and unassuming gentleman.

“As National Chairman of the PDP, he received explicit instructions to prevent my candidacy in 2003, yet he was too principled to engage in such unscrupulous tactics.

“On behalf of myself, my wife, and my entire family, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his wife, children, and the esteemed people of Benue State. May his gentle soul find eternal peace.”