Former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, has died at the age of 77.

Idris reportedly died on Sunday, September 20, 2026, in the United Kingdom.

Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, announced the death in a statement signed by the state Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo.

Ododo described Idris’ death as a loss to Kogi State, saying the former governor devoted a significant part of his life to public service.

The governor declared three days of mourning in honour of Idris and directed that the national flag be flown at half-mast throughout the period.

According to the statement, Ododo said Idris’ administration contributed to the development and institutional growth of Kogi State.

The governor also approved a state burial for the former governor, with the state government taking responsibility for the burial expenses and arrangements.

He said Idris’ administration recorded interventions in infrastructure, education, healthcare and other sectors, adding that his years in office remained part of the state’s developmental history.

Ododo said Idris would also be remembered for his commitment to the responsibilities entrusted to him by the people.


 Idris’ Political Career

Born on April 6, 1949, Idris served as governor of Kogi State from 2003 to 2012.

He was elected governor in 2003 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Idris contested the 2007 governorship election and was declared the winner. However, the election tribunal nullified the result after finding that the name and photograph of Abubakar Audu of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) had not appeared on the ballot.

The tribunal ordered a fresh election.

Idris challenged the decision at the Court of Appeal, but the appellate court upheld the tribunal’s ruling in February 2008.

Following the judgment, Clarence Olafemi, then Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, was sworn in as acting governor on February 6, 2008, pending the fresh election.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conducted the re-run election on March 29, 2008. Idris won the poll, while Audu finished second.

Audu challenged the outcome at the election tribunal.

In December 2008, the tribunal dismissed the petition and upheld Idris’ election.

The Court of Appeal later dismissed Audu’s appeal in June 2009, ruling that the case lacked merit.

Idris remained governor until 2012, completing his tenure after the legal disputes surrounding the 2007 election and subsequent re-run.