Ex-PDP Chairman, Bamanga Tukur Dies At 90

Former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Bamanga Mohammed Tukur, has passed away at the age of 90.

A former governor of the old Gongola State, Minister of Industries, businessman, and presidential aspirant, Tukur died on Saturday, September 12, 2026, according to an official family statement.

His son, Hon. Awwal D. Tukur, who announced the transition on behalf of the family, stated that plans are underway to transport his remains to Yola, Adamawa State, for interment.

Reflecting on his life of public duty, the family statement noted: “It is with profound sadness and total submission to the will of Almighty Allah that the family announces the passing of our beloved father and patriarch, Alhaji Bamanga Mohammed Tukur, who returned to his Creator today 12th September 2026.”

Describing his impact across various sectors, the family highlighted that his “wisdom, generosity and commitment to the development of our nation touched countless lives,” expressing confidence that his achievements would endure.

Expressing appreciation for the outpouring of support, the family extended gratitude to well-wishers for their prayers and condolences, promising to announce the specific time and location for the Janazah funeral prayers.

Offering prayers for his eternal rest, the family stated: “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un,” praying that Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds, and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.

Born on September 15, 1935, Tukur passed away three days before his 91st birthday, ending a career spanning public administration, business, and national politics.

He first rose to prominence as General Manager and Chief Executive of the Nigerian Ports Authority during the 1970s and early 1980s before entering partisan politics.

In October 1983, Tukur was sworn in as Governor of Gongola State under the National Party of Nigeria, serving until the military intervention of December 31, 1983.

During the Third Republic transition program under military President Ibrahim Babangida, he contested for the presidency under the National Republican Convention before later serving as Minister of Industries under General Sani Abacha.

In the private sector, Tukur founded the DADDO Group, served as Executive President of the African Business Roundtable, and chaired the NEPAD Business Group to advance regional economic development.

Within the Fourth Republic, he was elected PDP National Chairman in March 2012 under President Goodluck Jonathan, serving through an era of major political realignments until his resignation in January 2014, after which he was appointed Ambassador-at-Large.

A recipient of the Commander of the Order of the Niger honor, Tukur also held the traditional titles of Tafidan Adamawa and Wakilin Ganye.