Former PDP Chairman Bamanga Tukur Dies at 90

Former PDP Chairman Bamanga Tukur Dies at 90

Former governor of the old Gongola State and one-time National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Mohammed Tukur, has died at the age of 90.

Tukur died on Saturday, September 12, 2026, according to a statement issued by his family and signed by his son, Hon. Awwal D. Tukur.

The former governor died three days before his 91st birthday. He was born on September 15, 1935, and was one of the prominent figures whose career spanned politics, public administration, business and national development.

Announcing his death, the family said it was with “profound sadness and total submission to the will of Almighty Allah” that it announced the passing of its patriarch, describing him as a man whose life was dedicated to his family, community, Adamawa State and Nigeria.

The family said his wisdom, generosity and commitment to the development of the country touched many lives and that his legacy would endure for generations.

It thanked relatives, friends and well-wishers for their prayers and support, adding that details of the Janazah and other funeral arrangements would be announced subsequently.

Tukur was a major political and business figure from present-day Adamawa State whose public career extended from the Second Republic through successive military administrations and into Nigeria’s current democratic era.

He served as Governor of the old Gongola State in 1983 after emerging as the candidate of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN). His tenure was, however, cut short by the military coup of December 1983 that ended the Second Republic.

Gongola State was later divided into Adamawa and Taraba states in 1991, but Tukur continued to play an influential role in the political and social affairs of the region, particularly in Adamawa.

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Before becoming governor, Tukur had established a reputation in public administration. He served as General Manager and Chief Executive of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) from 1975 to 1982, overseeing the agency during a significant period in Nigeria’s economic development.

He later served as Minister of Industries during the military administration of the late General Sani Abacha in the 1990s.

Beyond government, Tukur was active in business and continental economic affairs. He served as Executive President of the African Business Roundtable and participated in initiatives associated with the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), particularly efforts aimed at strengthening private-sector participation and investment across Africa.

His political career took another major turn in 2012 when he emerged as National Chairman of the PDP, the then-ruling political party at the federal level.

Tukur’s tenure as PDP chairman coincided with a period of deep internal disagreements within the party, involving governors, senior politicians and other influential members.

The crisis intensified in 2013 with the emergence of a breakaway faction popularly known as the New PDP, comprising prominent party figures who opposed the leadership of the mainstream PDP.

The internal divisions became an important feature of the political developments leading to the 2015 general election. Tukur eventually resigned as PDP national chairman in January 2014 and was succeeded by Adamu Mu’azu.

Despite the political controversies associated with his tenure as party chairman, Tukur remained an important elder statesman and continued to command respect in political, business and traditional circles.

He also held traditional responsibilities in Adamawa, including the title of Tafidan Adamawa, further cementing his position within the state’s traditional and political establishment.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had previously celebrated Tukur on his 88th birthday, recognising his contributions as a businessman, politician and public servant.

Tukur’s death marks the end of a long public career that traversed some of the most significant phases of Nigeria’s political history, including the Second Republic, military rule, the restoration of democratic government in 1999 and the subsequent evolution of the PDP.

His death is expected to generate tributes from political leaders, the PDP, the Adamawa State Government, business associates, traditional institutions and other Nigerians who worked with or interacted with him throughout his decades of public service.

The family has asked for prayers for the deceased and said further information concerning his burial arrangements would be communicated in due course.

It prayed that Almighty Allah would forgive Tukur’s shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.

“Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un,” the family said.

Former PDP Chairman Bamanga Tukur Dies at 90