Ex-PDP chairman, Bamanga Tukur, is dead

Former national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Bamanga Tukur, has died at the age of 90, just three days before his 91st birthday.

The former politician and businessman died on Saturday, September 12, 2026, with his family announcing his death.

Tukur, who was born on September 15, 1935, in Adamawa State, was a prominent figure in Nigeria’s political, business and public sectors, serving in several senior positions during his career.

He became governor of the old Gongola State after winning election in 1982 under the Second Republic. His administration was brought to an end following the military coup of December 1983.

He later served as Minister of Industries under the military government headed by the late General Sani Abacha between 1993 and 1995.

Prior to his emergence as governor, Tukur headed the Nigerian Ports Authority as its General Manager and Chief Executive Officer from 1975 to 1982.

His political career reached another major milestone in March 2012 when he was elected national chairman of the PDP. He remained in the position until 2014.

Away from partisan politics, Tukur was also active in business and African economic development. He founded BHI Holdings, popularly known as Daddo Group, and was among the founders of the Africa Business Roundtable, where he later served as president and life patron.

He was also chairman of the NEPAD Business Group and became the first African vice-president of the International Association of Ports and Harbours.

Tukur pursued his postgraduate studies at the University of Pittsburgh in the United States, where he earned a master’s degree. Benue State University, Makurdi, subsequently conferred an honorary doctorate in law on him.

The late elder statesman also held traditional titles including Tafidan Adamawa and Wakilin Ganye in Adamawa State.