Former Governor of the old Gongola State now known as Adamawa state and former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Bamanga Tukur, has died at the age of 90.
The former Minister of Industries died on Saturday, September 12, 2026, just three days before his 91st birthday.
He passed away at his residence in Abuja after a prolonged illness.
Born on September 15, 1935, Tukur was a prominent Nigerian politician, businessman and public servant whose career spanned military and civilian administrations.
He began his public service career with the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, where he served as General Manager between 1975 and 1982.
He later ventured into politics and won the governorship election in the former Gongola State in 1983.
His administration, however, lasted only a few months before the military takeover in December of the same year brought the civilian government to an end.
After leaving office, Tukur moved into the private sector and founded BHI Holdings, popularly known as the DADDO Group of Companies.
He returned to government in 1993 after he was appointed Minister of Industries under the military administration of General Sani Abacha. He remained in the position until 1995.
Tukur also became involved in African business and economic affairs, serving as Executive President of the African Business Roundtable and Chairman of the NEPAD Business Group.
He also held advisory positions with international trade organisations.
In March 2012, Tukur returned to active partisan politics after he was elected National Chairman of the PDP with the support of the administration of then-President Goodluck Jonathan.
His time as chairman was marked by internal disagreements and growing tensions within the party.
He eventually resigned from the position in January 2014.
Tukur had also been a presidential aspirant during the Third Republic and was the traditional holder of the title Tafidan Adamawa.
His contributions to public service earned him several honours, including the national award of Commander of the Order of the Niger, CON, from the Nigerian government.
The Republic of Togo also honoured him with the Commander of the Order of the Mono, COM.
His death has triggered reactions across Adamawa State, with Governor Ahmadu Fintiri mourning the former governor and elder statesman.
Fintiri described Tukur’s death as a loss to Adamawa State and Nigeria, noting his contributions to the country’s political, economic and industrial development.
The governor, through his Chief Press Secretary, Pastor Humashi Wounishikou, declared three days of mourning in honour of the late former governor.
Tukur is survived by his wives, children and grandchildren.
