Bamanga Tukur: David Mark Mourns Late Elder Statesman

Former Senate President and National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has expressed sadness over the death of former Governor of old Gongola State and former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur.

Tukur, who died on Saturday at the age of 90, was described by Mark as a distinguished statesman whose death represents a major loss to Nigeria. Family sources confirmed his death, although details surrounding his illness were not immediately disclosed.

In his condolence message, Mark said Tukur’s passing had deprived Nigeria of an elder statesman who contributed significantly to the country’s political, economic and administrative development.

Mark also extended his condolences to Tukur’s family, the people of Adamawa State and the wider Nigerian political community, while praying for the repose of the deceased.

The death has prompted tributes from political leaders across the country. Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri described Tukur’s death as a loss to both the state and Nigeria, citing his contributions to the country’s political, socio-economic and industrial development. Fintiri also declared three days of mourning in honour of the former governor.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also joined other prominent Nigerians in mourning Tukur, describing him as an elder statesman whose long public career left a mark on Nigeria’s political and economic history.

Born on September 15, 1935, Bamanga Tukur built a career spanning public administration, politics and business.

He served as General Manager of the Nigerian Ports Authority from 1975 to 1982, before entering partisan politics. In 1983, he became governor of the old Gongola State, which at the time covered what are now Adamawa and Taraba states. His tenure was cut short by the military coup that ended the Second Republic later that year.

Tukur later served as Minister of Industries during the military administration of General Sani Abacha and held senior positions in African business organisations, including the African Business Roundtable and the NEPAD Business Group.

He returned to the centre of Nigerian partisan politics in 2012 when he was elected National Chairman of the PDP, a position he held until his resignation in January 2014 following internal disagreements and a prolonged crisis within the party.

Tukur, who held the traditional title Tafidan Adamawa, was also a recipient of the national honours Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) and Commander of the Order of the Mono (COM).

His death came just three days before his 91st birthday.

Tributes are expected to continue as political leaders, associates and residents of Adamawa reflect on the life and legacy of a man who occupied prominent positions in Nigerian public life for several decades.