Breaking: Former Kogi Governor Ibrahim Idris Passes Away at 77, Tributes Pour In

Ibrahim Idris, a prominent figure in Nigerian politics and former governor of Kogi State, has passed away at the age of 77. His family confirmed his death on Sunday in the United Kingdom, where he had reportedly been ill for some time.

Further details regarding the cause of his death were not immediately disclosed. Known affectionately as “Ibro,” Idris leaves behind a significant legacy, having served as the longest-serving governor in Kogi State's history for nearly nine years.

Born in 1949 in Idah, Kogi State, Ibrahim Idris began his educational journey in Onitsha, Anambra State, before moving to Kano for his primary education. He later attended King's Commercial College in Buguma, Rivers State, and earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Abuja. Before his foray into politics, Idris was a successful businessman.

He established the Ibro Trading Company, with diverse interests in construction, furniture manufacturing, and hospitality. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to set up a furniture factory in Sokoto in the 1970s and establish the Ibro Hotel, which was recognized as the first three-star hotel in the old Sokoto State.

Idris's political career commenced with his election as governor on May 29, 2003, under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he famously defeated the incumbent, Abubakar Audu. He secured re-election in 2007, but his victory was later annulled by the courts due to the wrongful exclusion of Abubakar Audu, then the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) candidate, from the election.

Following a Court of Appeal order in February 2008, a fresh election was held on March 29, 2008, which Idris won, returning to office. This electoral dispute significantly contributed to Kogi State becoming one of Nigeria's states with an off-cycle governorship election.

His extended tenure was eventually brought to an end in January 2012, when the Supreme Court rejected his argument that his four-year term should restart after his rerun victory, establishing an important precedent on the constitutional tenure of governors. He was succeeded by his brother-in-law, Idris Wada, who had won the December 2011 Kogi governorship election.

During his tenure, Governor Idris's administration initiated several key infrastructure projects across Kogi State, including the Greater Lokoja Water Scheme, the Lokoja International Market, the Confluence Stadium, and the state specialist hospital.

His government also made significant investments in education, providing financial support for the accreditation of academic programmes at the then Kogi State University, Anyigba.

Beyond his public service, Idris also attracted national attention in 2006 when his three daughters miraculously survived the ADC Airlines Flight 53 crash, an event he described as a “superlative show of mercy” from God.

After leaving office, Idris remained active in the PDP and Kogi politics. His death follows that of his son, Mohammed Idris, a former member of the House of Representatives, who passed away in April 2024 at the age of 55.

Following news of his demise, Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo visited the Idris family in Abuja to offer condolences.

In a letter, Governor Ododo lauded Idris's devotion to serving the people of Kogi State and declared a three-day period of mourning, instructing that flags be flown at half-mast. He also announced that Idris would receive a state burial, with the Kogi State Government covering the expenses and arrangements.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, also mourned Idris, recognizing him as a significant figure whose experiences and contributions profoundly shaped Kogi’s political history.