Former PDP Chairman, Bamanga Tukur, Dies At 91

Former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Mohammed Tukur, has died.

Tukur’s death was announced by his family on Saturday, September 12, 2026, in an official statement signed by Hon. Awwal D. Tukur on behalf of the family.

The family said the late elder statesman lived a distinguished life dedicated to the service of his family, community, Adamawa State and Nigeria, describing his wisdom, generosity and commitment to national development as qualities that touched countless lives.

According to the statement, the family is deeply grateful for the prayers, condolences and support received following his death, while details of the Janazah, or Islamic funeral prayer, and other burial arrangements would be communicated later.

The family prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive Tukur’s shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.

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

Brief History Of Bamanga Tukur

Alhaji Bamanga Mohammed Tukur (CON) was a Nigerian businessman, administrator, politician and elder statesman from Adamawa State. Born on September 15, 1935, he built a long career spanning public administration, maritime development, business and politics.

Tukur first gained national prominence as General Manager and Chief Executive of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) from 1975 to 1982. During his tenure, Nigeria expanded and developed major port infrastructure, including projects at Tin Can Island and the Lagos port complex.

In 1983, he became the elected Governor of the then Gongola State, which was later divided into present-day Adamawa and Taraba states. His tenure was cut short by the military coup that ended the Second Republic in December 1983.

He later served as Minister of Industries under the military government of General Sani Abacha, from 1993 to 1995. Beyond government, Tukur was deeply involved in African business and economic development. He served as president of the Africa Business Roundtable and chaired the NEPAD Business Group, promoting private-sector development and African economic cooperation.

Tukur returned prominently to partisan politics as a senior figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In March 2012, he was elected National Chairman of the PDP, then Nigeria’s ruling party. He resigned from the position in January 2014 following intense internal disagreements within the party.

He was also associated with several African and international business and development organisations and received national recognition, including the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON). He held the traditional title of Tafidan Adamawa.

His death, announced by his family on September 12, 2026, marks the end of a long public career that spanned Nigeria’s maritime sector, state administration, federal government, business diplomacy and party politics.