Senator Natasha Mourns Former Kogi Governor Ibrahim Idris, Says His Legacy Will Endure

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Kogi State Governor and prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, popularly known as “Ibro.”

Idris died in the United Kingdom on Sunday, September 20, 2026, throwing his family, political associates, members of the PDP and people across Kogi State into mourning.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, Akpoti-Uduaghan described the late former governor as a significant figure in the political history of Kogi State and the PDP, saying his years in public service left an enduring mark on the state.

She said his death was particularly painful at a time when Kogi State and the PDP family could have continued to benefit from his experience, wisdom and knowledge of the state’s political history.

“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 to the political development of our state,” she said.

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 subsequently nullified by the courts, after which he won the 2008 re-run election and completed his tenure in January 2012. He was succeeded by Captain Idris Wada.

Akpoti-Uduaghan said Idris’s political journey represented an important chapter in the evolution of Kogi State, particularly during the period when the PDP exercised considerable political influence in the state.

“Beyond the office he occupied, Ibro represented a generation of political leaders whose experiences, relationships and contributions helped shape Kogi’s political history. His departure creates a significant vacuum, and his contributions will remain part of the historical narrative of our dear state,” she said.

The senator also commiserated with members of the late governor’s family, his political associates, friends and the people of Kogi State, urging them to draw strength from his contributions to public life.

“During this difficult moment, my thoughts and prayers are with the Idris family. Losing a father, husband, grandfather, political mentor and community leader is never easy. I pray that Almighty Allah grants his family the strength to bear this irreparable loss and grants our late leader eternal rest,” she said.

Idris was a businessman before venturing fully into politics, with interests in areas including general merchandise, furniture manufacturing, construction and hospitality.

During his tenure as governor, his administration embarked on several infrastructure and development projects across Kogi State, including the International Market, Specialist Hospital, Confluence Stadium, Greater Lokoja Water Scheme, housing projects, road construction and investments in education infrastructure.

Akpoti-Uduaghan said political administrations might come and go, but the impact of public service remains part of a state’s collective memory.

“Leadership is ultimately measured by the lives touched, institutions strengthened and opportunities created for future generations. As we mourn His Excellency Ibrahim Idris, we must also remember the chapter he wrote in the history of Kogi State and the lessons his journey offers to those of us entrusted with public responsibility,” she stated.

She prayed for the repose of the former governor’s soul and called for continued unity among the people of Kogi State.

“May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus. May He also grant the Idris family, the PDP family and the people of Kogi State the fortitude to bear this great loss. His memory will remain with us,” she said.