President Bola Tinubu expressed sadness over the loss of Bamanga Mohammed Tukur, former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, hailing him as a key role in Nigeria’s political and economic history.
Tukur, a former governor of the ancient Gongola State and Minister of Industries, passed away on Saturday at the age of 90.
Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, issued a statement on Saturday describing Tukur as a “towering figure” with a career that included public administration, governance, industry, politics, and pan-African corporate leadership.
Tukur, who was born on September 15, 1935, was General Manager of the Nigerian Ports Authority from 1975 to 1982, during which time he helped to expand Nigeria’s marine sector, according to the President.
Tukur eventually entered politics and was elected governor of the former Gongola State in 1983. The state was later separated into the current 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.
“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,” the President said.
According to the statement, Tukur was involved in the private sector as Chairman of BHI Holdings and the DADDO Group of Companies, with interests in manufacturing, agricultural, logistics, and trading.
He was also active in continental business lobbying, serving as Executive President of the African Business Roundtable and Chairman of the NEPAD Business Group.
Tukur was the National Chairman of the PDP from March 2012 to January 2014, under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Tinubu expressed condolences to the Tukur family, the Fombina Emirate of Adamawa, the Adamawa State Government, and the political and commercial community in Nigeria and across Africa.
He prayed that Allah would pardon Tukur’s shortcomings, grant him Aljannah Firdaus, and console his family and other mourners.
Tukur’s death was previously confirmed in a statement issued by his son, Hon. Awwal D. Tukur.
“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,” he said.
