Tinubu Mourns Former Kogi Governor Ibrahim Idris 77, Describes Death as Loss to Nigeria

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mourned the death of former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, describing his passing at the age of 77 as a significant loss to Kogi State and Nigeria.

Idris died on Sunday, September 20, 2026, reportedly in the United Kingdom. His death has triggered condolences from political leaders and public figures, with tributes focusing on his years in public service and his role in Kogi State’s political history.

In a condolence message issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu expressed sympathy to the Idris family, the Kogi State Government and people, as well as the deceased’s friends, associates and political colleagues.

Tinubu said the late former governor devoted a substantial part of his life to public service and the development of Kogi State. The President also acknowledged Idris’s contribution to Nigeria’s democratic development through his years of participation in public affairs.

The former governor occupied the Kogi State Government House for nearly nine years. He first became governor in 2003 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party and returned to office after winning a fresh governorship election in 2008 following a legal challenge to the 2007 election. He remained in office until January 2012.

During his tenure, the Idris administration recorded interventions in areas including infrastructure, education and healthcare. The Kogi State Government has similarly recognised his administration’s contribution to the state’s institutional and developmental growth.

Tinubu described Idris as a committed public servant whose years in office represented an important chapter in the political and developmental history of Kogi State. He said the former governor’s death was a painful loss not only to his immediate family but also to the state and the country.

The President extended his condolences to the bereaved family and others affected by the death, while urging Nigerians to remember the contributions Idris made during his years of public service. Tinubu also prayed for comfort and strength for the family as they mourn their loss.

The President prayed that Almighty Allah would forgive Idris’s shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him Aljannah Firdaus. He also asked God to give the family the fortitude to bear the loss.

The death has also prompted an official mourning response from Kogi State. Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo declared three days of mourning, directed that the national and Kogi State flags be flown at half-mast at designated public institutions, and announced that Idris would receive a state burial.