Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has mourned the death of former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, popularly known as Ibro.
Idris died in the United Kingdom on Sunday, September 20, 2026, according to a statement issued by Akpoti-Uduaghan in Abuja.
The former governor’s death has thrown his family, political associates, members of the Peoples Democratic Party and residents of Kogi State into mourning.
Akpoti-Uduaghan described Idris as a major figure in the political history of Kogi State and the PDP.
She said his death was particularly painful because the state and the party could still have benefited from his experience and knowledge of its political history.
“The passing of His Excellency, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, is a profound loss to Kogi State, the Peoples Democratic Party and indeed Nigeria,” the senator said.
“He was a major political figure whose years of service contributed to the political development of our state.”
Idris governed Kogi State from 2003 to 2012 on the platform of the PDP.
He defeated the then incumbent governor, Prince Abubakar Audu, in the 2003 governorship election.
His 2007 election was later nullified by the courts, leading to a re-run election in 2008, which he won.
He completed his tenure in January 2012 and was succeeded by Captain Idris Wada.
Akpoti-Uduaghan said Idris’s political career represented an important chapter in Kogi’s political development.
“Beyond the office he occupied, Ibro represented a generation of political leaders whose experiences, relationships and contributions helped shape Kogi’s political history,” she said.
“His departure creates a significant vacuum, and his contributions will remain part of the historical narrative of our dear state.”
The senator also commiserated with the late governor’s family, political associates, friends and the people of Kogi State.
“Losing a father, husband, grandfather, political mentor and community leader is never easy,” she said.
“I pray that Almighty Allah grants his family the strength to bear this irreparable loss and grants our late leader eternal rest.”
Idris, a businessman before fully venturing into politics, had interests in general merchandise, furniture manufacturing, construction and hospitality.
As governor, his administration embarked on several infrastructure and development projects across the state.
They included the International Market, Specialist Hospital, Confluence Stadium, Greater Lokoja Water Scheme, housing projects, road construction and investments in education infrastructure.
Akpoti-Uduaghan said the impact of public service remained part of a state’s collective memory long after political administrations had left office.
“Leadership is ultimately measured by the lives touched, institutions strengthened and opportunities created for future generations,” she said.
She prayed for the repose of Idris’s soul and urged the people of Kogi State to remain united.
“May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus,” she said.
“His memory will remain with us.”
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