Late Alhaji Bamanga Tukur
Nigeria has lost former Governor of the old Gongola State and former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur.
Tukur, the Tafida of Adamawa, died at about noon on Saturday, September 11, 2026, at his residence on Adetokunbo Ademola Street, Wuse 2, Abuja. He was 90 and would have turned 91 in two days.
News of his death has triggered an outpouring of tributes from political leaders, associates and sympathisers, who described him as a distinguished statesman whose life was devoted to public service, business and national development.
His media aide and former PDP National Chairman’s media aide, Chief Oliver Okpala, announced the death in Abuja with the consent of Tukur’s eldest son, Rt. Hon. Awwal Tukur, and his first daughter, Lami.
Okpala said the remains of the elder statesman would be taken to Adamawa for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
Sympathisers, political associates and close relations had already gathered at his Abuja residence to pay their last respects.
Reacting to his father’s death, Awwal Tukur said the family accepted it as the will of Allah, adding that they would take solace in the exemplary life their father lived and the legacies he left behind.
National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Senator David Mark, described Tukur’s death as a great loss to Nigeria, particularly at a time the country needs the wisdom and experience of its older generation of leaders.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, Mark said Tukur’s contributions to Nigeria’s political, administrative and economic development spanned several decades.
He recalled Tukur’s service as Governor of the old Gongola State, Minister of Industries and National Chairman of the PDP, describing him as a public servant whose contributions went beyond partisan politics to national development and institution-building.
Mark said Tukur belonged to a generation of Nigerians who devoted their lives to the service of the country, adding that his counsel and experience would be greatly missed.
The PDP also mourned its former National Chairman, describing him as a distinguished statesman, administrator, businessman and committed member of the party.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, the party recalled Tukur’s roles as Governor of old Gongola State, Minister of Industries and General Manager of the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA.
The party also highlighted his contributions to the private sector and international business community, including his leadership of the Africa Business Roundtable and the NEPAD Business Group.
Tukur became National Chairman of the PDP in 2012 and resigned from the position in January 2014.
Beyond politics, Tukur was an accomplished businessman and technocrat who served in several prominent national and international capacities.
He was Managing Director and later Chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority and also served as President of the Africa Business Roundtable.
He was also widely recognised for his role in Nigeria’s political development and public administration.
The PDP commiserated with the Tukur family, the people of Adamawa State, friends, associates and members of the party across Nigeria.
Senator David Mark similarly prayed for the repose of Tukur’s soul and for Allah to grant his family the strength to bear the loss.
Bamanga Tukur is survived by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, including Rt. Hon. Awwal Tukur, Secretary to the Adamawa State Government.
