Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
Former Governor of the old Gongola State and ex-National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Bamanga Mohammed Tukur, has died.
Tukur died on Saturday, September 12, 2026, with his family announcing his death in a statement signed by his son, Hon. Awwal D. Tukur.
The family described the late elder statesman as a patriarch whose life was dedicated to his family, community, Adamawa State and Nigeria.
“It is with profound sadness and total submission to the will of Almighty Allah that the family announces the passing of our beloved father and patriarch, Alhaji Bamanga Mohammed Tukur, who returned to his Creator today 12th September 2026,” the statement said.
Tukur was a businessman, politician and public servant whose career covered the maritime sector, state administration, federal government and partisan politics.
He served as General Manager and Chief Executive of the Nigerian Ports Authority from 1975 to 1982 before venturing into electoral politics.
In 1983, he became governor of the then Gongola State, which comprised present-day Adamawa and Taraba states. His tenure was terminated following the military coup in December of the same year.
Tukur later served as Minister of Industries during the 1990s and held several business leadership positions at continental and international levels, including roles with the African Business Roundtable and the NEPAD Business Group.
His political career also saw him emerge as National Chairman of the PDP in 2012, a position he held until his resignation in January 2014. He was subsequently appointed Ambassador-at-Large by President Goodluck Jonathan in 2014.
The family said Tukur’s contributions to national development had affected many lives, adding that his legacy would remain significant.
“His wisdom, generosity and commitment to the development of our nation touched countless lives, and his legacy will endure for generations,” the statement said.
The family expressed appreciation to Nigerians and others who had offered prayers, condolences and support following his death. It said details of the Janazah, or funeral prayer, and other burial arrangements would be announced later.
The statement concluded with prayers for Allah to forgive Tukur’s shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus, ending with: “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un.”
