Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor l Journalist at Weng Global
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi State has declared a 40-day mourning period for former Kogi Governor Ibrahim Idris and constituted an 11-man Central Planning Committee to coordinate the party’s condolence and burial activities for the late politician.
The decisions were contained in a communiqué issued after an emergency meeting of the PDP State Working Committee (SWC) held on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at the party’s state secretariat in Lokoja.
The meeting was chaired by the PDP Kogi State Chairman, Muhammed Sani Gambo.
PDP Flags to Fly at Half-Mast
As part of the mourning arrangements, the PDP directed that its flags at the state secretariat, the 21 Local Government Area secretariats and ward secretariats across Kogi State be flown at half-mast.
According to the communiqué, the arrangement will remain in place from Wednesday until 40 days after Ibrahim Idris’ burial.
The party said the decision was in honour of Idris, whom it described as one of its prominent leaders in Kogi State.
The PDP referred to the former governor as “Baba PDP” and described him as a father, leader, bridge-builder and founding figure of the party in the state. These descriptions are the party’s characterisation of his political role and are not independent assessments by Weng Global.
11-Man Committee to Coordinate Burial Activities
The PDP State Working Committee approved an 11-man Central Planning Committee to oversee the party’s activities surrounding the death and burial of the former governor.
The committee is chaired by State Chairman Muhammed Sani Gambo, while Sunday Olufemi Ibrahim, the state secretary, will serve as secretary.
Other members are 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 is expected to liaise with Ibrahim Idris’ family and the Kogi State Government on arrangements for his burial. The party said further terms of reference for the committee would be announced later.
The PDP committee is separate from the burial committee constituted by the Kogi State Government. The state government announced its own high-powered committee, chaired by Deputy Governor Joel Salifu, to coordinate the state burial arrangements.
PDP Commends Kogi Government
The PDP also expressed appreciation to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and the Kogi State Government for the decision to accord Ibrahim Idris a state burial.
The state government had earlier announced that it would take responsibility for the former governor’s burial arrangements and expenses. Governor Ododo also declared three days of mourning following Idris’ death and directed that the Nigerian and Kogi State flags be flown at half-mast during the official mourning period.
The government subsequently constituted its burial committee and began consultations with the late governor’s family. The family has also pledged to cooperate with the state government as preparations continue.
Who Was Ibrahim Idris?
Ibrahim Idris was a former governor of Kogi State who served from 2003 until January 2012. He initially won the governorship election in 2003 and returned to office following the 2008 re-run election after a legal challenge to the earlier election.
He died in the United Kingdom at the age of 77, according to reports published following his death.
During his time in office, his administration was associated with government interventions in areas including infrastructure, education and healthcare, according to statements from the Kogi State Government.
Burial Arrangements Underway
The latest developments indicate that both the PDP and Kogi State Government are now making separate organisational arrangements ahead of Ibrahim Idris’ burial.
The state government’s committee is working with the family on arrangements for the return of the former governor’s remains from the United Kingdom and the subsequent state burial. It has also created subcommittees covering areas including prayer, mobilisation, media, venue and protocol, tomb preparation, finance and security.
The PDP’s 40-day mourning programme, meanwhile, focuses on party-level activities across the state and coordination with the family and government.
The date and detailed arrangements for the burial were not stated in the PDP communiqué reviewed for this report.
What Happens Next
The PDP Central Planning Committee is expected to liaise with the Idris family and the Kogi State Government as burial preparations progress.
The state government’s burial committee will also continue consultations with the family, including arrangements relating to the return of Ibrahim Idris’ remains from the United Kingdom.
The two processes are expected to operate alongside the official state burial arrangements and the PDP’s internal mourning activities. Further details on the burial date and programme are expected from the relevant authorities and the family.
Weng Global – Stories beyond borders
Sources
- PDP Kogi State communiqué, as reported by The Nigerian Post, September 23, 2026.
- Kogi State Government, “Ododo Moves To Honour Ibrahim Idris As Kogi Sets Up High-Powered Burial Committee,” September 21, 2026.
- Kogi State Government, “Late Governor Ibrahim Idris’ Family Thanks Kogi Government, Pledges Full Cooperation Ahead of Burial,” September 22, 2026.
- Channels Television, “Ex-Kogi Gov Ibrahim Idris Dies, Ododo Declares Three-Day Mourning,” September 20, 2026.
