Nigeria has lost one of its towering political figures and pioneering businessmen. Alhaji Isyaku Ibrahim, a prominent politician, philanthropist, and founder of the famous Mighty Jets Football Club of Jos, passed away in the early hours of Saturday at a private hospital in Abuja. He was 88.
Born in Mangar, Farin Ruwa area of Wamba Local Government in Nasarawa State, Ibrahim rose to national prominence in the Second Republic as a key chieftain of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN). A close ally of then-president Shehu Shagari, he played a decisive role in nominating Shagari as the party’s presidential candidate, leading the Plateau State delegates at the time.
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In the 1990s, Ibrahim was also instrumental in Nigeria’s return to democracy. He was among the founding fathers and financiers of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and remained a member of its Board of Trustees until his death. Known for his independent voice, he managed the presidential campaign of former Vice President Alex Ekwueme during the PDP primaries in 2003, where Ekwueme challenged then-president Olusegun Obasanjo.
Beyond politics, Ibrahim left a lasting legacy in sports and business. In the 1970s, he founded Mighty Jets FC, which went on to become one of Nigeria’s most formidable football clubs. He was the first Nigerian to hire a foreign coach from Brazil for the club, personally funding its growth with new facilities, including a luxury bus, and generous financial support. His vision helped the team dominate Nigerian football for years.
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Ibrahim’s influence was not confined to politics and football. He was also one of the first Nigerians to own a private jet, a symbol of his success as a businessman and his reputation as a forward-thinking figure. He once served as president of the Nigeria Universities Games Association (NUGA) and was active in parliament before Nigeria’s first military coup in the 1960s.
Throughout his career, Ibrahim was admired for his principles and outspoken nature. He did not hesitate to criticise leaders he once supported, including Obasanjo, whom he accused of undermining the rule of law even after leaving office.
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His nephew, Dr Musa Ibrahim, a retired federal permanent secretary, confirmed his death in a statement:
“With total submission to the will of God, I hereby announce the passing of one of Nigeria’s towering political figures and a philanthropist per excellence, my uncle, Alhaji Isyaku Ibrahim. For those who knew him, Alhaji was highly principled and patriotic, one of the very few Northern politicians who truly had the region and the country at heart. May God grant his soul eternal rest.”
The Janaza prayer for the late elder statesman will be held after Zuhr prayers at the National Mosque in Abuja.
