Ibrahim Idris, former Governor of Kogi State, has died in the United Kingdom (UK) at the age of 77, marking the end of the political career of one of the prominent figures in the State’s early democratic history.
Idris reportedly died on Sunday, September 20, 2026, after a protracted illness, according to family sources.
Details surrounding his death remained sketchy as of press time, while the family was expected to make further announcements on burial arrangements.
Ahmed Usman Ododo, Kogi State Governor, has expressed condolences to the family of the former governor, describing Idris as a prominent figure, whose contributions to politics and business left an impact on the state.
Governor Ododo also recalled his last meeting with Idris in March 2024, when he received political stakeholders from Omala Local Government Area.
The governor said the former governor remained an important figure in Kogi’s political history and commiserated with his family, associates and people of the State.
Idris and Kogi’s early political history
Kogi State was created on August 27, 1991, from parts of the former Benue and Kwara States, with Lokoja as its capital. The State has since passed through a succession of military and civilian administrations, with its political leadership shaped by the competing interests of its three major senatorial districts.
The State’s first civilian governor was Abubakar Audu, who served from January 1992 until the military takeover in November 1993. Audu later returned as governor in 1999 following the restoration of democratic rule and served until 2003.
Idris succeeded Audu after the 2003 election and governed Kogi from 2003 to 2008 under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). His administration came at a period when the State was consolidating its institutions and pursuing infrastructure and economic development after years of military rule and political transition.
Idris was succeeded by Ibrahim Idris Wada, who governed from 2012 to 2016 after a period of transition that included Clarence Olafemi, who served as acting governor in 2008.
Yahaya Bello became governor in 2016 and remained in office for two terms until January 2024. Ahmed Usman Ododo succeeded Bello and is the incumbent governor.
The State’s political history has therefore been marked by changes in party control, court and electoral disputes, as well as competition among political blocs across Kogi East, Kogi Central and Kogi West.
Beyond his tenure as governor, Idris remained involved in political activities and maintained relationships with stakeholders in the state.
His death is expected to trigger tributes from political leaders and former associates who worked with him during his administration and subsequent years.
Further details on his death and burial arrangements were expected from his family.