morganable politics/Governancel
Born on September 15, 1935, Tukur would have celebrated his 91st birthday just three days after his passing.
KaNo—
President Bola Tinubu, the Northern States Governors’ Forum, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and prominent political figures across the country have paid glowing tributes to a former governor of the old Gongola State and ex-National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, who died on Saturday at the age of 90.
Tukur, a seasoned administrator, politician and businessman, passed away in Abuja after a prolonged illness, according to a statement issued by his son, Awwal Tukur, who currently serves as the Secretary to the Adamawa State Government.
Announcing the death, the family described the late elder statesman as a devoted father and respected patriarch whose life was marked by service and commitment to nation-building.
“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 read.
Born on September 15, 1935, Tukur would have celebrated his 91st birthday just three days after his passing.
Tukur Survived By Two Wives,18 Children
He is survived by two wives and 18 children, including Awwal.
In honour of the late statesman, the Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri, declared three days of mourning across the state, describing Tukur’s death as a significant loss not only to Adamawa but to Nigeria as a whole.
President Tinubu, in a condolence message issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described Tukur as a towering figure whose career traversed public service, governance, industry and international business leadership.
The President highlighted Tukur’s contributions to Nigeria’s maritime sector during his tenure as General Manager and Chief Executive of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) between 1975 and 1982, noting that his leadership helped shape the development of the sector at a critical period.
Tinubu Mourns Tukur
Tinubu also recalled Tukur’s foray into politics, where he served as governor of the defunct Gongola State in 1983 before the state was later divided into Adamawa and Taraba states.
“Alhaji Tukur was urbane, generous and deeply rooted in the values of integrity and service that the Adamawa Emirate and the nation hold dear,” the President said.
“He was a man of big ideas and bold enterprise who believed in Nigeria’s limitless potential. Nigeria will sorely miss his wise counsel and fatherly guidance.”
He further acknowledged the late statesman’s contributions to continental economic development through his roles as Executive President of the African Business Roundtable and Chairman of the NEPAD Business Group, where he championed business advocacy across Africa.
The President also recalled Tukur’s tenure as National Chairman of the PDP from March 2012 to January 2014 during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, noting that his leadership came at a pivotal period in the country’s democratic journey.
Tinubu extended his condolences to the Tukur family, the Fombina Emirate of Adamawa, the Adamawa State Government, and the wider political and business communities within and outside Nigeria.
Gov Inuwa Describes Tukur’s Death As A Profound Loss To The North
Similarly, the Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Yahaya, described Tukur’s passing as a profound loss to the northern region and the nation at large.
In a statement issued by his Director-General of Press Affairs, Ismaila Misilli, Yahaya praised Tukur as one of Nigeria’s most accomplished public servants whose career spanned over six decades.
He noted that the late elder statesman served the country in several key capacities, including as chief executive of the NPA, governor of the old Gongola State, and Minister of Industries, contributing significantly to the development of Nigeria’s economy and institutions.
“Alhaji Bamanga Tukur lived a long and impactful life, serving Nigeria in several critical capacities and contributing significantly to the growth of our economy, institutions and political development,” Yahaya said.
“His wealth of experience, wisdom and commitment to public service will be greatly missed. His death is a great loss to the North and the entire nation.”
PDP Extend Condolences
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mohammed Jungudo, the PDP said Tukur’s tenure as National Chairman came at a critical period in the party’s history, adding that he brought experience, stability and institutional knowledge to the role.
“The PDP deeply mourns his passing and recognises his contributions to the growth of the party, the strengthening of democratic governance and the development of Nigeria,” the statement read.
“His death is indeed a profound loss to the nation, given his decades of service and contributions to Nigeria’s political, economic and democratic development.”
In the same vein, the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, described Tukur’s death as a major loss to Nigeria, noting that his legacy cut across politics, administration and business.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, Mark said Tukur exemplified dedication to national development through his decades of service in both public and private sectors.
According to him, Tukur’s tenure as governor, minister and party leader reflected a lifetime devoted to institution-building and the advancement of democratic governance.
“His public service record and contributions to national development stand as a testament to his commitment to Nigeria,” Mark said.
“He was also an accomplished businessman and international figure whose influence extended beyond partisan politics to broader economic and institutional growth.”
As tributes continue to pour in from across the country and beyond, many observers have described Tukur’s death as the end of an era, given his extensive involvement in Nigeria’s political and economic landscape over several decades.
His passing comes at a time when the country continues to grapple with complex political and economic challenges, with many noting that his experience and counsel will be sorely missed.
