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Former Kogi State Governor, Ibrahim Idris, has died in the United Kingdom at the age of 77.
His death, which occurred on Sunday, September 20, 2026, was confirmed to AIT by his nephew, Shehu Ahmed. Details surrounding the cause of his death were not immediately disclosed.
Idris’ death has prompted condolences from political leaders 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 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 Facebook post accompanied by photographs of the officials at the residence.
He wrote, “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.”
Idris governed Kogi State for nearly nine years, serving from 2003 until January 2012 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He first won the governorship election in 2003 and was sworn into office on May 29 that year.
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His 2007 re-election was subsequently nullified by the courts following a legal challenge over the exclusion of Abubakar Audu, the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) candidate, from the election.
A fresh election was ordered, and Idris returned as governor after winning the March 2008 re-run. He remained in office until January 2012, when he handed over to Idris Wada.
Before entering politics, Idris was a businessman with interests in construction, furniture manufacturing and hospitality. He founded Ibro Trading Company and established a furniture factory and hotel business.
Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo has described Idris as a former governor who made significant contributions to the state during his time in office. Ododo also declared three days of mourning and directed that the late former governor be accorded a state burial, with the state government taking responsibility for the burial arrangements.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, also mourned Idris, describing his death as a loss to Kogi State and the Peoples Democratic Party.
Idris’ death comes after a long career in business and public service, including his tenure as one of Kogi State’s longest-serving civilian governors.
