​Former Kogi State Governor Alhaji Ibrahim Idris has passed away in the United Kingdom at the age of 77.
​The news of his death, which occurred on Sunday, September 20, 2026, was confirmed by his nephew, Shehu Ahmed. While specific medical details regarding his passing have not yet been publicly disclosed, the news immediately prompted widespread mourning across Nigeria’s political landscape.
​Following the announcement on Sunday afternoon, dignitaries gathered to pay their respects to the late leader’s family.
​Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo declared three days of state mourning and directed that the former leader be accorded a state burial, with the state government managing all funeral arrangements.
​On Sunday afternoon, Governor Ododo, alongside former Governor Yahaya Bello and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Abdullahi Bello, visited the late governor’s residence in Abuja to commiserate with the family.
​In an official public statement released on Sunday, Onogwu Muhammed—Special Adviser to Governor Ododo on Public Relations and Chief Press Secretary to former Governor Yahaya Bello—confirmed the delegation’s arrival at the family residence:
​”Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Ahmed Usman Ododo; former Governor Yahaya Bello, CON; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Abdullahi Bello; and other top government officials have arrived at the Abuja residence of the late former Governor Ibrahim Idris, who passed away this afternoon.”
​Additionally, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) extended her condolences, describing his passing as a profound loss to both Kogi State and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
​Affectionately known as “Ibro,” Alhaji Ibrahim Idris remains the longest-serving civilian governor in Kogi State’s history.
First elected on the platform of the PDP in 2003 after defeating incumbent Governor Abubakar Audu, he assumed office on May 29, 2003. Following a legal challenge and a subsequent electoral rerun in March 2008, he returned to office and governed until January 2012 before handing over to Captain Idris Wada.
During his nearly nine years in office, his administration completed major infrastructure initiatives, including the Greater Lokoja Water Scheme, the Lokoja International Market, the Confluence Stadium, and the Kogi State Specialist Hospital.
Before entering public service, Idris established prominent business ventures across Nigeria in furniture manufacturing, hospitality, and construction.
​As of Sunday evening, the family had not yet finalized the details regarding burial arrangements.
