Bamanga Tukur, ex-PDP national chair, is dead

Former governor of the old Gongola State, Bamanga Mohammed Tukur, has died.

The family announced his death on Saturday, saying the elder statesman died on September 12, 2026.

A statement signed by his son, Hon. Awwal D. Tukur, described the deceased as a patriarch whose life was devoted to his family, community, Adamawa State and Nigeria.

“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 statement said.

Tukur was a prominent businessman, politician and public servant whose career spanned the maritime sector, state administration, federal government and partisan politics.

He served as General Manager and Chief Executive of the Nigerian Ports Authority from 1975 to 1982 before entering electoral politics.

In 1983, he was elected governor of the then Gongola State, which comprised present-day Adamawa and Taraba states. His administration was cut short by the military coup of December 1983.

He later returned to federal public service as Minister of Industries during the 1990s. He also held several continental and international business positions, including leadership roles in the African Business Roundtable and the NEPAD Business Group.

Tukur also played a major role in Nigerian partisan politics. He served as national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party from 2012 until his resignation in January 2014. President Goodluck Jonathan subsequently appointed him Ambassador-at-Large in 2014.

The family said his contributions to national development had touched many lives and that his legacy would endure.

“His wisdom, generosity and commitment to the development of our nation touched countless lives, and his legacy will endure for generations,” the statement said.

The family thanked Nigerians and others who had offered prayers, condolences and support following his death.

It said details of the Janazah, or funeral prayer, and other burial arrangements would be announced later.

The statement concluded with a prayer that Allah forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.

“Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un.”