Tinubu Mourns Former PDP Chairman Bamanga Tukur at 90

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mourned the death of former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Mohammed Tukur, describing the late elder statesman as a towering figure whose contributions to Nigeria spanned politics, public administration, business and economic development.

Tukur, who was also a former Governor of the old Gongola State and Minister of Industries, died on Saturday, September 12, 2026, in Abuja at the age of 90, just three days before his 91st birthday.

In a condolence message issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu said Tukur’s death marked the end of a remarkable chapter in Nigeria’s political and economic history.

The President described the deceased as an urbane and generous man who was deeply rooted in the values of integrity and public service.

According to Tinubu, Tukur was a man of “big ideas and bold enterprise” who believed strongly in Nigeria’s potential and contributed significantly to the country’s development.

Tukur began his rise to national prominence in public service, serving as the General Manager and Chief Executive of the Nigerian Ports Authority between 1975 and 1982, where he contributed to the development of Nigeria’s maritime sector.

He later ventured into politics and was elected Governor of the old Gongola State in 1983. Following the military takeover that ended the Second Republic, he continued to serve the country in various capacities, including as Minister of Industries under the administration of former Head of State, General Sani Abacha, between 1993 and 1995.

Beyond government, Tukur was also prominent in the private sector. He chaired BHI Holdings, popularly known as the DADDO Group of Companies, with interests spanning manufacturing, agriculture, logistics and trading.

At the continental level, he served as Executive President of the African Business Roundtable and Chairman of the NEPAD Business Group, contributing to efforts aimed at promoting African economic development and private-sector growth.

Tukur returned to frontline partisan politics when he became National Chairman of the PDP in March 2012. He led the party until his resignation in January 2014, during a period of significant political developments and internal tensions within the party.

Reacting to his death, Tinubu extended his condolences to Tukur’s family, the Fombina Emirate, the Adamawa State Government and the political and business communities in Nigeria and across Africa.

The President said Nigeria would miss the late elder statesman’s wisdom, guidance and wealth of experience.

Meanwhile, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has declared three days of mourning in honour of the former governor, while the PDP also described his death as a profound loss to the party and the nation.

Tukur, who held the traditional title of Tafidan Adamawa and was a recipient of the Commander of the Order of the Niger, CON, is survived by his children and grandchildren. His burial was scheduled to take place in Yola, Adamawa State, in accordance with Islamic rites.

Source: Naija News report