President Bola Tinubu has mourned the death of former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Bamanga Mohammed Tukur, describing the late politician and businessman as one of the prominent figures whose career influenced Nigeria’s political, economic and public-service landscape.
Tukur died on Saturday in Abuja at the age of 90, just three days before his 91st birthday. His family said his remains would be taken to Yola, Adamawa State, for burial in accordance with Islamic rites. Funeral prayers have been scheduled for Sunday.
In a condolence statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described Tukur as a “towering figure” whose career cut across public administration, governance, business, politics and pan-African economic leadership.
The President said Tukur was deeply committed to public service and had contributed to Nigeria’s development in several capacities. He also expressed condolences to the deceased’s family, the Fombina Emirate, the Adamawa State Government and Tukur’s associates in Nigeria and across Africa.
Born on September 15, 1935, Tukur first rose to national prominence through his career in the Nigerian Ports Authority, where he served as General Manager and Chief Executive from 1975 to 1982.
During his tenure, he was involved in efforts to improve Nigeria’s port infrastructure and operations at a time when the country’s maritime sector faced significant congestion and capacity challenges.
He subsequently entered partisan politics and became governor of the old Gongola State in 1983. His tenure was brief, however, as the military coup of December 31, 1983, ended the Second Republic.
Bamanga Tukur’s Long Career in Politics, Business and Public Service
Gongola State, which Tukur governed, was later divided into what are now Adamawa and Taraba states.
Tukur later returned to public service as Minister of Industries under the military administration of General Sani Abacha between 1993 and 1995. Outside government, he built substantial business interests through BHI Holdings, also known as the DADDO Group of Companies, with interests spanning areas including manufacturing, agriculture, logistics and trading.
His influence also extended beyond Nigeria. Tukur was associated with the Africa Business Roundtable and served as chairman of the NEPAD Business Group, positions through which he participated in efforts to promote African investment, private-sector development and economic integration.
He returned to the political frontline in the Fourth Republic when he emerged as National Chairman of the PDP in March 2012. His tenure coincided with a period of intense internal disagreements within the then-ruling party, including the emergence of a breakaway faction known as the New PDP.
Tukur resigned as national chairman in January 2014 after less than two years in office.
Beyond his political career, he was a traditional title holder in Adamawa, including the title of Tafidan Adamawa, and was honoured nationally as a Commander of the Order of the Niger.
Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri also described Tukur’s death as a major loss and declared three days of mourning across the state, directing that government flags be flown at half-mast.
Tukur’s death marks the end of a public career that spanned several political eras in Nigeria, from the Second Republic and military administrations to the Fourth Republic.
