The Kogi State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has declared a 40-day mourning period in honour of former Governor Ibrahim Idris, popularly known as “Baba PDP,” who died at the age of 77.
The decision was reached at an emergency meeting of the party’s State Working Committee held on Wednesday at the PDP secretariat in Lokoja. The meeting was presided over by the state chairman, Muhammed Sani Gambo. (Punch Newspapers)
As part of the mourning arrangements, the party directed that its flags at the state secretariat, all 21 local government secretariats and ward secretariats across Kogi be flown at half-mast from Wednesday until 40 days after the former governor’s burial.
The PDP described Idris as a father, political leader, bridge-builder and one of the founding figures of the party in Kogi State. The party also commended his contribution to the political and developmental history of the state during his tenure as governor between 2003 and 2012. (Punch Newspapers)
The party further constituted an 11-member Central Planning Committee to coordinate its condolence and burial activities for the late former governor.
The committee is chaired by Gambo, while Sunday Ibrahim serves as secretary. Other members include Yahaya Karaku, Paul Ukwenya, Anthony M. Akuvada, Yunusa Adazaki, Toluhi Michael Segun, Audu Siyaka Uhanaye, Esther Abimbola Soje, Igagu Idris and Saba Ibrahim.
The committee has been mandated to liaise with the deceased’s family and the Kogi State Government to ensure that the late former governor receives a befitting burial. (Punch Newspapers)
The PDP also expressed appreciation to Governor Usman Ododo and the Kogi State Government for announcing plans to accord Idris a state burial. The state government had earlier declared three days of mourning and directed that the Nigerian and Kogi State flags be flown at half-mast during the period. (VON)
The Kogi Government has also established a separate high-powered burial committee chaired by Deputy Governor Joel Salifu to coordinate the state burial arrangements. The committee is expected to work with the family on the return of Idris’s remains from the United Kingdom and preparations for the funeral in accordance with Islamic rites. (Kogi State Government)
Idris died in the United Kingdom on September 20, 2026. He served as Kogi State governor from 2003 to 2012 on the platform of the PDP and remained an influential figure within the party after leaving office. (TheCable)
The Kogi PDP urged its members, supporters and stakeholders across the state to remain calm, united and prayerful as the party mourns the former governor. The party prayed for the repose of his soul and for strength for his family and associates to bear the loss.