Nigeria has lost one of its most enduring political figures, Alhaji Isyaku Ibrahim, who passed away at the age of 88. A towering presence in journalism, diplomacy, business, and politics, his death marks the end of an era in Nigeria’s public life.
The news of his passing was conveyed in a statement signed by seasoned journalist Bashir Idris Ibrahim, who described the late elder statesman on his verified Facebook page as “a journalist, diplomat, business tycoon, philanthropist and politician.” His career spanned decades and touched nearly every facet of Nigeria’s development.
In 1979, Ibrahim played a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s Second Republic. As leader of the Plateau delegates, alongside Abdullahi Adamu and Saleh Hassan, he nominated Shehu Shagari as the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) presidential flagbearer. Despite Shagari’s eventual victory, Ibrahim declined to serve in the administration, a decision that underscored his principled approach to politics.
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His political journey was deeply intertwined with Nigeria’s founding fathers. He was a close associate of Malam Aminu Kano, Chief Nnamdi Azikiwe, and JS Tarka during the First Republic. His influence extended into the Fourth Republic, where he emerged as one of the pioneer leaders and financiers of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from 1998 until 2007. He later parted ways with the party following a disagreement over President Olusegun Obasanjo’s controversial third-term bid.
Ibrahim’s commitment to democratic ideals was evident during the PDP primaries in 2003. Nigeria Tracker recalls that he served as campaign manager for Vice President Dr. Alex Ekwueme in his contest against President Obasanjo. During live updates from Eagle Square, Ibrahim openly expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of the primaries, showcasing his fearless advocacy for transparency and fairness.
Beyond politics, Ibrahim was a passionate supporter of Nigerian football. In 1974, he made history by hiring Brazilian coach Lopez to manage Mighty Jets, becoming the first Nigerian to bring in a foreign coach. He also sponsored future coaching legends Ismaila Mabo and Garba Okoye for training in Hungary in 1976, laying the foundation for Nigeria’s football development.
Ibrahim’s connection to Nigerian history was profound. He often shared vivid recollections of the First and Second Republics with striking accuracy. His close relationship with the late Umaru Dikko was both personal and historical; he once revealed that Dikko was born in his hometown of Wamba, now in Nasarawa State, where Dikko’s father served as a judge under the Native Authority.
Until mid-2023, before illness slowed him down, Ibrahim remained a living archive of Nigeria’s political evolution. His sharp memory, principled voice, and commitment to truth earned him respect across generations.
Alhaji Isyaku Ibrahim’s passing leaves a significant void in Nigeria’s political and cultural landscape. His legacy will endure through the institutions he helped build, the leaders he mentored, and the ideals he consistently championed.
