By Blessing Bature
Presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has expressed deep sadness over the death of former Governor of the old Gongola State and former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Mohammed Tukur.
Adebayo described Tukur’s death as the loss of a major figure in Nigeria’s political and public life, noting that his decades of service spanned governance, business, administration and national politics.
According to the SDP candidate, Tukur belonged to a generation of Nigerian leaders whose careers were shaped by extensive public service and a deep understanding of the country’s political and economic challenges.
“Alhaji Bamanga Tukur was not merely a politician; he was an institution in Nigerian public life,” Adebayo said.
He recalled Tukur’s service at the Nigerian Ports Authority, his tenure as Governor of Gongola State, his appointment as Minister of Industries and his later role as National Chairman of the PDP, saying the late statesman left his mark on several important chapters of Nigeria’s history.
Adebayo described Tukur’s death as particularly poignant because it occurred just three days before his 91st birthday.
“It reminds us once again that while political offices are temporary, the impact of a life spent in the service of society can endure across generations,” he said.
The SDP presidential candidate stressed that Tukur’s death should be viewed beyond political affiliations, despite their differences in political traditions.
“Today is not a day for partisan politics. It is a day to honour a Nigerian elder who gave a significant portion of his life to public service and the development of our nation,” Adebayo said.
He added that Nigerians could hold different political views while still recognising and respecting the contributions of previous generations of leaders.
“We may belong to different political traditions and hold different views about the direction Nigeria should take, but we must never lose sight of the humanity and service of those who came before us,” he said.
Adebayo extended his condolences to the Tukur family, the people of Adamawa State and Nigerians across the country.
He prayed that Almighty Allah would forgive Tukur’s shortcomings and grant him eternal rest.
“May Almighty Allah grant Alhaji Bamanga Tukur Aljannatul Firdaus, and may He give his family, associates and the people of Adamawa the strength to bear this irreparable loss,” Adebayo said.
He also expressed hope that Tukur’s years of public service would continue to inspire Nigerians entrusted with the responsibility of building a better country.
