Former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, has reportedly died in the United Kingdom at the age of 77.
The former governor was said to have died on Sunday, September 20, 2026, according to sources who disclosed the development.
However, details surrounding his reported death remained unclear as of press time. There was also no immediate public statement from his family confirming the report.
Ibrahim Idris’ Political Career
Ibrahim Idris was a former governor of Kogi State who served under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from 2003 to 2012, including a period following a court-ordered rerun election.
He first emerged as the PDP candidate for the Kogi State governorship election in 2003, where he defeated the then-incumbent governor, Abubakar Audu.
Idris was sworn into office on May 29, 2003, marking the beginning of his administration in the state.
His re-election in 2007, however, became the subject of a legal dispute after Abubakar Audu, who contested under the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), was excluded from the election.
Although Idris was initially declared the winner, the election was later nullified following legal proceedings.
In February 2008, the Court of Appeal upheld the decision and ordered a fresh election.
Idris subsequently contested the rerun election held in March 2008 and was again declared the winner. He returned to office and continued his administration in Kogi State.
His victory in the rerun was also challenged by Abubakar Audu, who alleged irregularities in the electoral process.
Idris eventually completed his tenure in January 2012 and was succeeded by Captain Idris Wada, who also contested the governorship election on the platform of the PDP.
Business Career and Background
Before entering active politics, Ibrahim Idris established himself as a businessman.
He founded Ibro Trading Company and was involved in several business ventures, including construction, furniture manufacturing and hospitality.
He also established a furniture factory in Sokoto and later founded Ibro Hotel.
His business activities contributed to his public profile before he moved into political leadership in Kogi State.
Idris was born in 1949 in Idah, in present-day Kogi State.
He began his early education in Onitsha, Anambra State, before completing his primary education in Kano.
He later attended King’s Commercial College in Buguma, Rivers State, and subsequently obtained a degree from the University of Abuja.
His career in public office placed him among the political figures associated with Kogi State’s political development during the period of his administration.
Ibrahim Idris and the ADC Airlines Flight 53 Crash
One of the incidents that brought Ibrahim Idris national attention occurred in 2006 following the crash of ADC Airlines Flight 53.
Three of his daughters were reportedly among the survivors of the crash, which claimed several lives.
Following the survival of his children, Idris described the development as a “superlative show of mercy” from God.
He also called on Nigerians to join his family in thanksgiving for the survival of his daughters.
The incident became a significant personal moment in the former governor’s public life.
Former Kogi Governor Loses Son in 2024
Ibrahim Idris suffered another family tragedy in April 2024 following the death of his son, Mohammed Ibrahim Idris, a former member of the House of Representatives.
Mohammed reportedly died in Abuja shortly after observing the Eid-el-Fitr prayer. Contemporary reports stated that he collapsed after returning home.
The former lawmaker represented the Ankpa/Olamaboro/Omala Federal Constituency of Kogi State in the House of Representatives between 2011 and 2015.
He was subsequently buried according to Islamic rites in Abuja.
The death attracted condolences from political figures in Kogi State, including Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
In his condolence message, Ododo expressed sympathy to the former governor and his family, describing the late lawmaker as a person who had made meaningful contributions to politics and business.
The governor also recalled his last meeting with Mohammed in March 2024, during a visit involving political stakeholders from Omala Local Government Area.
Ibrahim Idris’ Legacy in Kogi State
Ibrahim Idris remained a notable figure in the political history of Kogi State after leaving office.
His administration spanned a period when the PDP held considerable political influence in the state and across Nigeria.
If confirmed, news of his reported death would mark the passing of a former governor whose career combined business activities with years of public service.
Further details regarding the reported death, including official confirmation from his family or relevant authorities, are awaited.
This report is based on information from sources cited in the initial account. The reported death should be treated as unconfirmed until verified by the family or credible official sources.