Former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Bamanga Tukur, has died at the age of 90.
Tukur died on Saturday, September 12, 2026. His death was confirmed by members of his family, although details surrounding the circumstances of his passing were not immediately disclosed.
Born on September 15, 1935, Tukur had a long career spanning public service, politics and business. He served as the General Manager and Chief Executive of the Nigerian Ports Authority from 1975 to 1982.
He later ventured into politics and became governor of the former Gongola State in 1983. His administration was cut short following the military coup that ended the Second Republic in December of that year.
Tukur subsequently served as Minister of Industries between 1993 and 1995 during the administration of the late General Sani Abacha.
Outside government, he held several influential positions in African business circles, including serving as Executive President of the African Business Roundtable and Chairman of the NEPAD Business Group.
He returned to active partisan politics in March 2012 when he was elected National Chairman of the PDP. He resigned from the position in January 2014 following a period of internal crisis within the party.
The late elder statesman, who held the traditional title of Tafidan Adamawa, was also honoured with the national title of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
Tukur’s death brings to an end a long public career that spanned several political eras in Nigeria. He is survived by his wives, children and grandchildren.
