Former Agriculture Minister Audu Ogbeh initiated the not-too-young-to-run campaign, according to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
At the age of 32, Ogbeh was elected to the Benue State House of Assembly in 1979, according to Atiku.
He made this revelation at the Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja on a night dedicated to the late former minister.
Ogbeh wrote on X that he worked closely with Ogbeh in government, particularly in the creation of the Peoples Democratic Party prior to Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, and that his passing was a personal loss.
“I have always appreciated bright minds, and Audu was definitely one of them,” he wrote.
He was an extraordinary patriot. It was incredibly sentimental to watch a fellow fighter for a better Nigeria finally leave. Among many other things, we were both in our 30s and joined the struggle for democracy.
Even though he has responded to the call that was always there, his legacy endures. His contributions to public service, good governance, and party politics are priceless.
Because leaders like Audu were elected to the Benue State House of Assembly in 1979 at the age of 32, it is important to remember that the concept of enlisting young leaders into government—now known as “Not Too Young to Run”—was born.
He made a lasting impact as one of Nigeria’s youngest ministers, first in the steel and communications industries and then as minister of agriculture.
“Audu has returned home to rest after doing a good job in his role. Mrs. Ogbeh and the whole family are in my prayers and thoughts. -AA
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