Kogi Mourns As Ex-Governor Ibrahim Idris Dies At 77

​ABUJA — Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has led tributes following the death of former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, popularly known as Ibro, who passed away in the United Kingdom on Sunday at the age of 77.

​Idris, a stalwart of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and a prominent entrepreneur with extensive interests in hospitality, manufacturing, and commerce, governed the Confluence State nearly a decade, from 2003 to 2012.

​In a heartfelt condolence message, Akpoti-Uduaghan described the late former governor as a foundational pillar in the state’s political evolution, noting that his death leaves a profound vacuum.

​“The passing of His Excellency, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, is a profound loss to Kogi State, the Peoples Democratic Party, and indeed Nigeria. He was a major political figure whose years of service contributed immensely to the development of our state,” the senator remarked.

​A Defining Era in Kogi Politics

​Alhaji Ibrahim Idris entered the political limelight in 2003 when he ran on the PDP platform and defeated the then-incumbent governor, Prince Abubakar Audu. Though his 2007 reelection victory was later nullified due to legal challenges regarding the exclusion of opposition candidates, he secured a resounding victory in the subsequent March 2008 re-run, ultimately handing over power to Captain Idris Wada in January 2012.

​Recalling his political legacy, Akpoti-Uduaghan emphasized that Ibro’s era symbolized an important chapter of steady political growth and party dominance in Kogi State.

ADVERTISEMENT

• ​Legacy of Infrastructure: During his administration, Idris spearheaded major developmental projects, including the Greater Lokoja Water Scheme, the state Specialist Hospital, the Confluence Stadium, and multiple housing and road networks.
• ​Institutional Impact: The senator noted that true leadership is measured by the lives touched and institutions built, praising the late governor for laying down parameters of public responsibility.

​Outpouring of Grief

​As condolences continue to pour in from political associates, leaders, and citizens nationwide, current state leadership has mobilized to honor the late statesman. Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo visited the family’s Abuja residence alongside former Governor Yahaya Bello to commiserate with the bereaved relatives, subsequently declaring a state-wide period of mourning.

​Akpoti-Uduaghan prayed for comfort for the Idris family, urging them to find solace in the enduring impact of the patriarch’s life.

​“May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds, and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus. His memory will forever remain with us,” she concluded.