Former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and one-time presidential aspirant, Bamanga Tukur, has died at the age of 90.
Family sources confirmed his death on Saturday, September 12, 2026, although details surrounding the circumstances of his passing were not immediately disclosed.
Born on September 15, 1935, Tukur was a prominent Nigerian politician, administrator and businessman who played significant roles in the country’s political and economic development.
He served as governor of the defunct Gongola State, which comprised present-day Adamawa and Taraba states, during the Second Republic. His tenure followed his earlier career at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), where he served as General Manager between 1975 and 1982.
Tukur later ventured into elective politics and won the Gongola State governorship election in 1983. However, his tenure was cut short following the military coup of December 1983.
After leaving political office, he established BHI Holdings, popularly known as the DADDO Group of Companies, and expanded his activities in the private sector.
He returned to government service between 1993 and 1995 when he served as Minister of Industries under the military administration of General Sani Abacha.
Beyond Nigeria, Tukur was involved in continental economic affairs. He served as Executive President of the African Business Roundtable and chaired the NEPAD Business Group. He also held advisory positions with several international trade organisations.
In March 2012, Tukur was elected National Chairman of the PDP with the support of then-President Goodluck Jonathan.
His tenure as party chairman lasted until January 2014, when he resigned amid prolonged internal disagreements and factional disputes within the party.
Tukur was also known by the traditional title of Tafidan Adamawa.
In recognition of his contributions to national development, he was honoured by the Nigerian government with the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON). He also received the Commander of the Order of the Mono (COM), one of Togo’s national honours.
Bamanga Tukur is survived by his wives, children and grandchildren.
His death marks the passing of one of the prominent political figures whose career spanned Nigeria’s Second Republic, military administrations and the democratic era.