Former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, has died in the United Kingdom at the age of 77.
Idris reportedly died on Sunday, September 20, 2026, with his death confirmed to AIT by his nephew, Shehu Ahmed. Details surrounding the cause of death had not been disclosed as of the time of the reports.
The former governor’s death has triggered condolences from political leaders and officials in Kogi State, with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and former Governor Yahaya Bello among those who visited the deceased’s Abuja residence to sympathise with members of his family.
Onogwu Muhammed, Special Adviser to Governor Ododo on Public Relations and Chief Press Secretary to former Governor Yahaya Bello, announced the visit in a statement accompanied by photographs of the officials at the residence.
Idris was one of the longest-serving governors in Kogi State, governing the state for almost nine years between May 2003 and January 2012. He was elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party and defeated the then incumbent governor, Abubakar Audu, in the 2003 governorship election.
He secured re-election in 2007, but the result was subsequently nullified following a legal challenge concerning the exclusion of Audu from the ballot. The Court of Appeal upheld the decision in February 2008, leading to a fresh election.
A rerun election was conducted in March 2008, in which Idris was returned as governor. He remained in office until January 2012, when he was succeeded by Captain Idris Wada.
During his time in office, Idris’ administration was associated with interventions in infrastructure, education, healthcare and other sectors. Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo said the late former governor’s years in office formed an important chapter in the political and developmental history of the state.
Following the announcement of his death, Ododo declared a three-day mourning period across Kogi State. He also directed that the national and Kogi State flags be flown at half-mast at government offices and other designated public institutions throughout the mourning period.
The Kogi State Government also announced that Idris would receive a state burial, with the government taking responsibility for the burial expenses and arrangements.
In his condolence message, Ododo described Idris as an eminent son of Kogi State who devoted a significant part of his life to public service. The governor said the late politician’s contributions would remain part of the state’s developmental history.
Beyond politics, Idris was a businessman before becoming governor. He founded Ibro Trading Company, with interests that included construction, furniture manufacturing and hospitality. He also established businesses in the hospitality and furniture sectors.
The former governor was also a prominent figure within the PDP and remained an influential political personality in Kogi State after leaving office.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central in the National Assembly, also mourned Idris, describing him as an important figure in the political history of Kogi State and the PDP.
She said his years in public service contributed to the political development of the state and expressed condolences to his family, associates and the people of Kogi State.
As tributes continue to emerge, further details concerning the circumstances of Idris’ death and his burial arrangements are expected to be announced by his family and the Kogi State Government.
His death marks the end of the life of a businessman-turned-politician who spent nearly a decade at the helm of affairs in Kogi State and remained a notable figure in the state’s political history.
