Tributes Pour In for Ex-PDP Chair Bamanga Tukur

Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, the former governor of the old Gongola State and ex-National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), died on September 12, 2026, at the age of 90 in Abuja after a prolonged illness. His son, Awwal Tukur, who serves as the Secretary to the Adamawa State Government, announced the news, describing Tukur as a “beloved father and patriarch.” Tukur, born on September 15, 1935, was set to turn 91 just three days after his death.

He is survived by two wives and 18 children. Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri declared three days of mourning in his honor.

President Bola Tinubu, in a condolence message, praised Tukur as a “towering figure” in public administration and politics, noting his contributions to the maritime sector as General Manager of the Nigerian Ports Authority from 1975 to 1982 and his tenure as governor in 1983. Tukur also played significant roles in various business organizations, including BHI Holdings and the African Business Roundtable.