Ex-Gongola Governor and Elder Statesman Passed Away on Saturday, Family Sources Confirm
Former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bamanga Tukur, has died at the age of 90.
Family sources confirmed his death on Saturday, September 12, 2026, although details surrounding his passing were not immediately disclosed.
Tukur, who was born on September 15, 1935, was a politician, administrator and businessman who held several prominent positions in Nigeria.
He served as governor of the defunct Gongola State in 1983, but his tenure was cut short by the military coup that ended the Second Republic.
Before becoming governor, Tukur served as General Manager of the Nigerian Ports Authority from 1975 to 1982.
He later served as Minister of Industries under the military administration of former Head of State, Sani Abacha, between 1993 and 1995.
Tukur was also active in continental business affairs, serving as Executive President of the African Business Roundtable and chairman of the NEPAD Business Group.
In March 2012, he became national chairman of the PDP, a position he held until January 2014, when he resigned amid internal crises within the party.
The elder statesman, who held the traditional title of Tafidan Adamawa, was also a recipient of the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
He is survived by his wives, children and grandchildren.