By Lanre Oloyede
Former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Dr Bamanga Tukur, the Tafida of Adamawa, has died at the age of 90.
Tukur, described as one of the founding figures of Nigeria’s democratic journey and an advocate of transparency in governance, reportedly died at about noon on Friday, September 11, 2026, at his residence on Adetokunbo Ademola Street, Wuse 2, Abuja.
The death was announced in a statement issued in Abuja by his former media aide during his tenure as PDP National Chairman, Chief Oliver Okpala, with the consent and approval of Tukur’s first son, Rt. Hon. Awwal Tukur, and first daughter, Lami.
According to the statement, the remains of the elder statesman would be flown to Adamawa for burial arrangements in accordance with Islamic rites.
Sympathisers, family members, political associates and friends had already begun visiting his Abuja residence to pay their final respects to the departed statesman.
Reacting to his father’s death, Awwal Tukur said the family accepted the development as the will of Allah, describing his father’s life as one marked by exemplary service and monumental achievements.
He said the family would draw strength from the legacy the deceased left behind and the impact he made during his lifetime.
Born into a prominent Adamawa family, Bamanga Tukur built a distinguished career spanning politics, business, public administration and international affairs.
He was widely recognised as a leading Nigerian businessman and technocrat and served as chairman of the African Business Round Table (ABR), an umbrella organisation for African businesses.
Tukur also served Nigeria in several executive capacities, including as Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and later as its chairman.
During his tenure at the NPA, he played a significant role in the development and expansion of Nigeria’s port infrastructure.
He later ventured into partisan politics and was elected Governor of the old Gongola State, an entity that was subsequently divided into several states.
He also served as a Federal Minister under the Nigerian government.
As National Chairman of the PDP, Tukur was credited by his associates with promoting political discipline, electoral competitiveness and greater organisation within the party.
Beyond Nigeria, Tukur attained international recognition, with the statement describing him as the first African private citizen to address the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The elder statesman was also celebrated for his contributions to entrepreneurship, investment and economic development.
His death came just two days before his 91st birthday.
He is survived by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, including Rt. Hon. Awwal Tukur, who serves as Secretary to the Adamawa State Government.
The family appealed for prayers for the repose of the deceased’s soul and strength for the family at this time of loss.
