Ex-PDP chairman, Bamanga Tukur, dies at 90

Former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Bamanga Tukur, has died at the age of 90.

Tukur died on Saturday, September 12, 2026, according to a statement issued by his family and signed by his son, Awwal D. Tukur.

The family described the former PDP chairman as its “beloved father and patriarch,” saying he lived a life of service to his family, community, Adamawa State and Nigeria.

“It is with profound sadness and total submission to the will of Almighty Allah that the family announces the passing of our beloved father and patriarch, Alhaji Bamanga Mohammed Tukur, who returned to his Creator today 12th September 2026,” he said.

The family expressed appreciation for the prayers, condolences and support received following his death.

It said details of the Janazah, or funeral prayer, and other burial arrangements would be communicated later.

“We pray that Almighty Allah forgives his shortcomings, accepts his good deeds and grants him Aljannatul Firdaus,” he stated.

Tukur was born on September 15, 1935, and would have turned 91 three days after his death.

He was a former governor of the old Gongola State and served as Minister of Industries during the military administration of the late General Sani Abacha.

Tukur also served as General Manager and Chief Executive of the Nigerian Ports Authority and held several positions in business and African economic advocacy.

He became National Chairman of the PDP in March 2012 during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

His tenure as PDP chairman came during a period of internal crisis in the party, including the emergence of the “New PDP” faction in 2013.

Tukur resigned as national chairman in January 2014 and was later appointed Ambassador-at-Large by the Jonathan administration.