Former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Mohammed Tukur, has died at the age of 90.
Tukur, a former governor of the old Gongola State, Minister of Industries, businessman and one-time presidential aspirant, died on Saturday, September 12, 2026, according to a statement issued by his family.
His son, Hon. Awwal D. Tukur, who confirmed the death on behalf of the family, said preparations were underway to take his remains for burial in Yola, Adamawa State.
“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,” the family said.
“Alhaji Bamanga Tukur lived a distinguished life of service to his family, community, Adamawa State and Nigeria. His wisdom, generosity and commitment to the development of our nation touched countless lives, and his legacy will endure for generations.”
The family expressed gratitude for the prayers, condolences and support received following his death, adding that details of the Janazah, or funeral prayer, and other arrangements would be communicated.
“We pray that Almighty Allah forgives his shortcomings, accepts his good deeds and grants him Aljannatul Firdaus.
“Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un,” the statement added.
Born on September 15, 1935, Tukur would have turned 91 three days after his death.
He had a lengthy career spanning public administration, politics, business and regional economic advocacy.
Tukur rose to national prominence through the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), where he served as General Manager and Chief Executive from the mid-1970s into the early 1980s. His tenure coincided with a significant period in the development of Nigeria’s ports and maritime infrastructure.
He subsequently entered partisan politics and was elected governor of the old Gongola State, which was later divided into present-day Adamawa and Taraba states.
Tukur assumed office in October 1983 on the platform of the then National Party of Nigeria (NPN), but his tenure lasted only about three months following the military coup of December 31, 1983 that ended Nigeria’s Second Republic.
During the transition programme of military President Ibrahim Babangida, Tukur returned to frontline politics and sought the presidency on the platform of the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC) in the botched Third Republic.
He later served as Minister of Industries during the military administration of General Sani Abacha in the 1990s, adding a federal cabinet role to a public-service career that had already included leadership of the NPA and the old Gongola State.
Outside government, Tukur built a substantial profile in business and private-sector advocacy. He founded and chaired business interests associated with the DADDO Group and became prominent in efforts to strengthen private-sector participation in Africa’s economic development.
He served as Executive President of the African Business Roundtable and chaired the NEPAD Business Group, bringing together business leaders and policymakers around investment and economic development on the continent.
His international business and maritime engagements also included roles in organisations connected with ports, cargo handling and investment.
He served as Vice Chairman of the International Ports and Harbours Association and Chairman of the International Cargo Handling Association, among other positions.
Tukur later became one of the prominent figures in the PDP and was elected the party’s National Chairman in March 2012 during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
His chairmanship coincided with a turbulent period in the then-ruling party, including the 2013 internal rebellion that produced the “New PDP” faction involving several governors and senior political figures.
He eventually stepped down as PDP National Chairman in January 2014. Later that year, the Jonathan administration appointed him Ambassador-at-Large.
Tukur also held the traditional titles of Tafidan Adamawa and Wakilin Ganye and was a recipient of the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
In a tribute marking his 88th birthday in 2023, President Bola Tinubu described Tukur’s career as spanning Nigeria’s private and public sectors and highlighted his record as governor, NPA chief, Minister of Industries, PDP chairman and African business leader.
His death closes a public career that stretched from Nigeria’s post-independence public service through the Second and Third Republic political eras and into the Fourth Republic.
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