Tinubu Mourns Former PDP National Chairman Bamanga Tukur

President Bola Tinubu has expressed condolences over the death of former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Bamanga Muhammad Tukur, who died at the age of 90.

Tukur, a former governor of the old Gongola State and former Minister of Industries, died on Saturday, September 12, 2026, three days before his 91st birthday.

In a condolence message issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described Tukur’s death as the end of a remarkable chapter in Nigeria’s political and economic history.

The President described the late elder statesman as a “towering figure” whose career spanned public administration, governance, industry, politics and pan-African business leadership.

Tinubu said Tukur was urbane, generous and deeply committed to the values of integrity and public service associated with the Adamawa Emirate and Nigeria.

He also described the deceased as a man of big ideas and bold enterprise who believed strongly in Nigeria’s potential.

The President recalled Tukur’s service as General Manager of the Nigerian Ports Authority between 1975 and 1982, noting his contribution to the modernisation of Nigeria’s maritime sector.

Tukur later entered politics and was elected governor of the old Gongola State in 1983. The state was subsequently divided into present-day Adamawa and Taraba states.

He also served as Minister of Industries between 1993 and 1995 and later became National Chairman of the PDP, a position he held from 2012 to 2014.

Beyond Nigerian politics, Tukur played prominent roles in African business and economic affairs, including leadership positions in the Africa Business Roundtable and the NEPAD Business Group.

Tinubu extended his condolences to Tukur’s family, the Fombina Emirate of Adamawa, the Adamawa State Government and the political and business communities in Nigeria and across Africa.

He prayed for the repose of the former governor’s soul and asked God to grant his family the strength to bear the loss.

Tukur’s death has prompted tributes from political leaders and institutions across the country, with many highlighting his decades of service in government, business and national politics.

His remains are expected to be buried in Yola, Adamawa State, on Sunday, September 13, following funeral prayers at the Lamido’s Palace.