President Bola Tinubu has expressed condolences to the family of former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, following his death at the age of 77.
Idris reportedly died in the United Kingdom on Sunday, September 20, 2026. His death was confirmed by a family member, while details surrounding the cause of his death were not immediately disclosed.
Reacting to the development, President Tinubu commiserated with the Idris family, the government and people of Kogi State, as well as the late politician’s friends, associates and former colleagues.
In a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described the death as a significant loss to Kogi State and Nigeria.
The President acknowledged Idris’ years of public service and his contributions to the development of Kogi State during his tenure as governor.
Idris served as Kogi governor from 2003 until January 2012 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Following his initial election in 2003, he secured another term in 2007, but the result was later nullified after a legal challenge. He subsequently won the March 2008 rerun and remained in office until his successor, Idris Wada, took over in January 2012.
During his years in office, his administration was associated with projects and interventions in areas including infrastructure, education, healthcare and other sectors.
Tinubu said Idris’ years in government represented an important chapter in the political and developmental history of Kogi State.
“Alhaji Ibrahim Idris was a committed public servant whose years in office formed an important chapter in the political and developmental history of Kogi State,” the President said.
He added that the former governor’s death was a painful loss to his family, Kogi State and the country.
The President urged Nigerians to remember Idris for his years of service and expressed sympathy to those mourning him.
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“I extend my deepest condolences to his family and the people of Kogi State. May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him Aljannah Firdaus,” Tinubu said.
Following Idris’ death, Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo declared three days of mourning and directed that the Nigerian and Kogi flags be flown at half-mast across government institutions in the state.
Ododo also announced that the former governor would receive a state burial, with the Kogi State Government taking responsibility for the burial arrangements.