Nigeria’s political and business communities have been thrown into mourning following the death of former Governor of the defunct Gongola State and former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Mohammed Tukur.
Tukur died on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the age of 90. His death was announced by his family in a statement signed by his son, Awwal D. Tukur. He died just three days before his 91st birthday, which would have been on September 15.
The family described the late elder statesman as a beloved father and patriarch whose life was devoted to his family, community, Adamawa State and Nigeria.
It also expressed appreciation to Nigerians and others who offered prayers, condolences and support following his death, while praying that Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.
Tukur was one of Nigeria’s prominent public figures whose career spanned business, public administration, politics and continental economic advocacy.
He served as General Manager and Chief Executive of the Nigerian Ports Authority between 1975 and 1982, a period during which he became associated with efforts to address challenges confronting Nigeria’s maritime sector. He later built a business career and participated actively in African private-sector development.
In 1983, Tukur became the civilian governor of the then Gongola State, which comprised the areas that later became Adamawa and Taraba states. His administration, however, was cut short following the military coup of December 1983.
He subsequently returned to federal public service and served as Minister of Industries during the military administration of the late General Sani Abacha in the 1990s. He also occupied prominent positions in continental business organisations, including the African Business Roundtable and the NEPAD Business Group.
Tukur later became a major figure in Nigerian partisan politics. He was elected National Chairman of the PDP in March 2012 during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan and remained in the position until his resignation in January 2014. His tenure coincided with significant internal disagreements within the ruling party. He was subsequently appointed Ambassador-at-Large by the Jonathan administration.
His death has triggered tributes from across the political divide.
President Bola Tinubu, former President Goodluck Jonathan, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri and other political leaders have mourned the former governor and PDP chairman, describing him as a statesman whose contributions to Nigeria extended across governance, business and politics.
Shettima described Tukur’s death as a huge loss to Nigeria and Africa, while the Nigerian Ports Authority also paid tribute to its former chief executive, describing him as an important figure in the development of trade facilitation and an inspiration to generations of Nigerians.
Following the announcement of his death, Governor Fintiri declared three days of mourning across Adamawa State in honour of the late elder statesman.
Tukur was survived by two wives and 18 children, including Awwal Tukur, the Secretary to the Adamawa State Government.
His remains were taken to Yola, Adamawa State, where funeral prayers were held on Sunday, September 13, at the Lamido’s Palace. He was subsequently buried at his family residence in Yola South in accordance with Islamic rites.
With his death, Nigeria has lost a veteran public servant, businessman, politician and elder statesman whose career spanned more than five decades and several critical periods in the country’s political and economic history.
