ABUJA, NIGERIA — Former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, has died at the age of 90, his family announced in a statement on Saturday.
Tukur, a seasoned administrator, businessman, and politician, passed away in Abuja after a brief illness. His family said he died peacefully surrounded by loved ones, and that funeral arrangements would be announced in due course.
Born on April 15, 1936, in Gombi, Adamawa State, Tukur had a distinguished career spanning public service, business, and politics. He obtained a degree in economics from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, before pursuing further studies in the United Kingdom and the United States. He joined the Nigerian Ports Authority in the 1960s and rose through the ranks to become the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority in 1975, a position he held until 1982.
Tukur served as Governor of the old Gongola State from 1983 to 1984 during the Second Republic. He later served as Minister of Industries in 1993 and was a member of the National Constitutional Conference in 1994. He was also Nigeria’s Ambassador-at-Large and served as Chairman of the African Business Roundtable, where he championed private sector-led economic development across the continent.
In 2012, Tukur was elected National Chairman of the PDP, succeeding Haliru Bello Mohammed. His tenure was marked by internal party reforms and efforts to reposition the party ahead of the 2015 general elections. He resigned from the position in 2014 following pressure from party stakeholders.
Tributes have poured in from across the political spectrum, with President Bola Tinubu describing Tukur as “a distinguished elder statesman and a committed patriot who dedicated his life to the service of Nigeria.” The President noted that Tukur’s contributions to national development, particularly in the areas of trade, industry, and infrastructure, would be remembered for generations.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan described Tukur as “a father figure and a loyal party man whose counsel was invaluable.” He said Tukur’s death was a great loss to Nigeria and to the PDP family.
The National Chairman of the PDP, Senator Tunde Ogbeha, described Tukur as “a pillar of the party and a man of immense wisdom and integrity.” He said the party would immortalise him by upholding the ideals he stood for.
Tukur’s son, Mahmud Tukur, said the family was grateful for the outpouring of love and support. He described his father as “a disciplinarian, a mentor, and a source of inspiration to many.” He said the family would continue to uphold his legacy of service, integrity, and hard work.
Tukur is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren. The family said details of his burial would be announced later. As Nigeria mourns the passing of one of its elder statesmen, tributes have continued to flood social media, with many describing Tukur as a man who lived a life of purpose and service to his country.
