Former PDP National Chairman Bamanga Tukur Dies at 90

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, although they did not immediately disclose the circumstances surrounding his passing.

Tukur, who was born on September 15, 1935, had a long career spanning politics, public administration and business.

He served as governor of the defunct Gongola State during the Second Republic. The old state comprised what are now Adamawa and Taraba states.

Before entering politics, Tukur built a career at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). He rose to become its General Manager, a position he held from 1975 to 1982.

He later ventured into elective politics and won the Gongola governorship election in 1983. However, his tenure ended when the military seized power in December of that year.

Tukur subsequently moved into the private sector and founded BHI Holdings, popularly known as the DADDO Group of Companies.

He returned to government in 1993 when the military administration of the late General Sani Abacha appointed him Minister of Industries. He held the position until 1995.

Beyond Nigeria, Tukur played a role in African economic affairs. He served as Executive President of the African Business Roundtable and chaired the NEPAD Business Group.

He also held advisory positions with international trade organisations and remained active in efforts aimed at strengthening African business and economic cooperation.

Tukur later rose to one of the most influential positions in Nigerian party politics when he became national chairman of the PDP in March 2012.

Then-President Goodluck Jonathan backed his emergence as chairman of the ruling party.

However, his tenure became increasingly turbulent as internal disagreements divided the party. Tukur eventually resigned in January 2014 after prolonged factional disputes.

The late politician also carried the traditional title of Tafidan Adamawa.

His contributions to public service earned him national recognition. The Federal Government conferred on him the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).

The Republic of Togo also honoured him with Commander of the Order of the Mono (COM).

Tukur’s death marks the end of a long public career that took him from the NPA to state leadership, federal government and national party politics.

He is survived by his wives, children and grandchildren.