ABUJA — Former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), executive governor of the defunct Gongola State, and elder statesman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, has passed away at the age of 90.
The family confirmed that Tukur died at approximately 12:00 noon on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at his residence in Abuja following a brief illness. His passing comes just three days shy of his 91st birthday.
In an official statement released on behalf of his children—including Secretary to the Adamawa State Government, Awwal Tukur—the family expressed gratitude for his lifelong service to the nation and confirmed that his remains will be transported to Yola, Adamawa State, for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
In response to the news, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri declared a three-day period of state mourning, directing that all government flags across Adamawa State fly at half-mast to honor the former governor and pan-African business leader.
Key Highlights of a Distinctive Career
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Early Public Service & Maritime Sector: Tukur served as General Manager of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) between 1975 and 1982, overseeing critical infrastructure expansions.
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Gongola Governorship: Elected as the executive governor of old Gongola State (encompassing modern-day Adamawa and Taraba states) in 1983 under the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), his tenure was truncated by the December 1983 military coup.
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Federal Cabinet & Pan-African Business Leadership: He served as Minister of Industries under the Abacha administration (1993–1995) and went on to found the DADDO Group of Companies. Tukur held major continental business leadership roles, serving as Executive President of the African Business Roundtable and Chairman of the NEPAD Business Group.
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PDP Leadership & Honours: Tukur emerged as PDP National Chairman in March 2012, steering the ruling party during a pivotal period until his resignation in January 2014. A recipient of the national honor of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), he held the traditional title of Tafidan Adamawa.
