Former Governor of Delta State, James Ibori, said late Audu Ogbeh was one of the most effective National Chairmen the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ever had.

He stated this in a statement shared on X to mourn Ogbeh, who died on Saturday aged 78.

The ex-governor noted that Ogbeh was a man of integrity who upheld internal democracy in the party.

Ibori was elected governor in 1999 and re-elected in 2003 while Ogbeh held sway as National Chairman of PDP from 2001 to 2005.

The ex-governor disclosed that as PDP boss, Ogbeh was instructed by higher powers to block his re-election in 2003 but that he declined to act on such orders.

According to him, Ogbeh was not moved by money or bribes.

Ibori said, “I received with great sadness the news of the death of Chief Audu Ogbeh, former National Chairman of the PDP and ex-Minister of Agriculture.

“He was one of the most effective chairmen the PDP ever produced. He was not about money or bribes; he upheld internal democracy in the party and was a man of integrity.

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

“As National Chairman of the PDP, he had express instructions to prevent me from running in 2003, but he was too decent to act on such underhanded schemes.

“On behalf of myself, my wife, and my entire family, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his wife, children, and the good people of Benue State. May his gentle soul rest in peace.” (The Sun)