‘Ibrahim Idris an elder statesman’, pro- Tinubu group mourns ex-Kogi governor

The PBAT Door-to-Door Movement 2027 has mourned the death of former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, describing the late politician and businessman as an elder statesman whose years of public service left a significant mark on the history of the state.

Idris, popularly known as Ibro, died in the United Kingdom on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at the age of 77. His death was confirmed by his nephew, Shehu Ahmed.

In a condolence statement signed by the National Coordinator of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement 2027, Comrade Adekanbi Sunday Asuku, the movement described the death as a painful loss to the Idris family, Kogi state and Nigeria. Blueprint reports

The group said the late former governor occupied an important place in Kogi’s political history, having governed the state for nearly nine years between 2003 and 2012.

A major figure in Kogi politics

Idris was first elected governor in 2003 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), defeating the then incumbent, Prince Abubakar Audu.

He was re-elected in 2007, but the election was subsequently nullified by the courts following a legal challenge over the exclusion of Audu, who was the candidate of the All Nigeria Peoples Party.

Following the court decision, a fresh governorship election was held in March 2008, which Idris won, allowing him to return to office. He remained governor until January 2012, when he was succeeded by Captain Idris Wada.

The movement said the circumstances surrounding his political journey, including his return to office after the 2008 re-run, formed an important part of Kogi’s political history.

It noted that Idris’s contribution to public life extended beyond politics, having built a business career before entering government.

From business to public service

Born in Idah, Kogi State, in 1949, Idris was a businessman before venturing into politics.

He founded Ibro Trading Company and developed interests in construction, furniture manufacturing and hospitality. He also established a furniture factory in Sokoto and the Ibro Hotel.

The PBAT Door-to-Door Movement 2027 said the combination of his business career and years in public office made Idris a notable figure in the political and socioeconomic history of Kogi State.

The movement said his death had created a painful void for his family and those who worked with him during his years in public life.

It extended its condolences to members of the Idris family, describing the deceased as a husband, father, grandfather, political elder and businessman.

‘Grief should unite us’

The movement urged the family to take solace in the memories of the late former governor and the contributions he made during his lifetime.

“Regardless of political differences, moments of grief should unite us as a people and remind us of the value of service, humanity and compassion,” the statement said.

The group said moments of bereavement should not be reduced to political differences, stressing the need for compassion and respect for the family of the deceased.

It therefore called on Nigerians to respect the privacy and dignity of the Idris family as they mourn their loss.

Movement recalls his years of service

According to the movement, Idris’s years in public office represented an important chapter in the development of Kogi State.

The Kogi State Government has similarly described his administration as a period that witnessed interventions in infrastructure, education, healthcare and other critical sectors. The government has declared three days of mourning, directed that national and state flags be flown at half-mast and announced that the former governor would receive a state burial.

The PBAT Door-to-Door Movement 2027 said the death of the former governor was a reminder of the transient nature of political office and the importance of using positions of responsibility to serve humanity.

The group said while political offices are temporary, the impact of a person’s contributions to society can remain part of the history of the communities and institutions they served.

Prayers for the deceased

The movement prayed for the repose of Idris’s soul and asked Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.

It also prayed for strength and comfort for his family, friends and loved ones as they come to terms with his death.

The movement said the memory of the late former governor would remain significant to those who encountered him during his years in business and public service, describing his passing as a loss that would be deeply felt in Kogi State.

Idris’s death came more than two years after the loss of his son, Mohammed Ibrahim Idris, a former member of the House of Representatives who died in Abuja in April 2024.

The PBAT Door-to-Door Movement 2027 expressed its sympathy with the family once again, urging them to find strength in the legacy and memories of the former governor as they prepare to lay him to rest.