Former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, is dead. He was 90.
Tukur, a former governor of the old Gongola State and Minister of Industries, died on Saturday at about noon at his residence in Abuja, three days before his 91st birthday.
He was born on September 15, 1935.
His death was announced in a statement issued by his former media aide, Oliver Okpala, with the consent of his children, Awwal Tukur and Lami Tukur.
The statement said his remains would be taken to Adamawa State for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
Reacting to his death, Awwal Tukur said the family accepted his father’s passing as the will of Allah, adding that they would take solace in the life he lived and the legacy he left behind.
Sympathisers, political associates and close relations gathered at the deceased’s Abuja residence to pay their respects.
Tinubu, Fintiri mourn
President Bola Tinubu described Tukur’s death as the end of a remarkable chapter in Nigeria’s political and economic history.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described the former governor as a towering figure whose career spanned public administration, governance, business, politics and pan-African economic leadership.
“Alhaji Tukur was urbane, generous and deeply rooted in the values of integrity and service that the Adamawa Emirate and the nation hold dear. He was a man of big ideas and bold enterprise who believed in Nigeria’s limitless potential. Nigeria will sorely miss his wise counsel and fatherly guidance,” the President said.
Tinubu extended his condolences to Tukur’s family, the Fombina Emirate of Adamawa, the Adamawa State Government, and the political and business communities in Nigeria and across Africa.
Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri also mourned Tukur, describing his death as a “monumental loss” to the state and the country.
“Alhaji Bamanga Tukur was a colossus who made remarkable contributions to the development of Adamawa State and Nigeria. His wealth of experience, wisdom and commitment to public service earned him a place of honour in our national history,” Fintiri said.
The governor added that he would personally miss Tukur’s “wise counsel” and the depth of experience he brought to issues affecting the state and the nation.
Fintiri subsequently declared three days of mourning across Adamawa State and directed that government flags be flown at half-mast in honour of the former governor.
PDP pays tribute
The PDP described Tukur’s death as a “profound loss” to Nigeria, citing his decades of service in public administration, business and politics.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, the party described Tukur as a distinguished statesman, administrator, businessman and committed member of the PDP.
Tukur served as governor of the old Gongola State from October to December 1983, before the military coup that ended the Second Republic.
He later served as Minister of Industries and as Chief Executive/General Manager of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).
Tukur became National Chairman of the PDP in 2012 and resigned from the position in January 2014 after leading the party during a period of significant political tensions.
The party said his tenure reflected his “wealth of experience, institutional knowledge and longstanding commitment to public service and democratic development”.
It extended condolences to his family, associates, the people of Adamawa State and PDP members nationwide.
Career
Tukur rose to national prominence in the 1970s when he served as General Manager of the Nigerian Ports Authority from 1975 to 1982.
He subsequently entered politics and was elected governor of the old Gongola State in 1983. His tenure was cut short by the military takeover later that year.
After leaving office, he established BHI Holdings, also known as the DADDO Group of Companies, and became a prominent figure in Nigerian and African business circles.
He later served as Minister of Industries under the military administration of General Sani Abacha from 1993 to 1995.
At the continental level, Tukur served as Executive President of the African Business Roundtable and Chairman of the NEPAD Business Group, where he was involved in advocacy for African economic development and private-sector growth.
He also held the traditional title of Tafidan Adamawa and was a recipient of the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
Burial arrangements
The family has announced that Tukur’s remains will be taken to Yola, the Adamawa State capital, for burial.
According to the burial arrangements released by the family, funeral prayers will be held at the Lamido’s Palace at 10 a.m. on Sunday, September 13, 2026, after which he will be laid to rest in accordance with Islamic rites.
Tukur is survived by his children and grandchildren, including Awwal Tukur, who serves as Secretary to the Adamawa State Government.
