Former national chairman of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Bamanga Tukur, has died at the age of 90.
According to a statement by his family, Tukur died on Saturday, three days before his 91st birthday.
The statement, signed by his son, Hon. Awwal D. Tukur, on behalf of the family, described the deceased as a patriarch who lived a distinguished life of service to his family, community, Adamawa State, and Nigeria.
According to the family, Tukur’s wisdom, generosity, and commitment to the development of Nigeria touched many lives, adding that his legacy would endure for generations. Join Diaspora Networks
The family expressed appreciation for the prayers, condolences, and support received following his death.
It said details of the funeral prayer and other burial arrangements would be announced in due course.
The family prayed that Almighty Allah would forgive Tukur’s shortcomings, accept his good deeds, and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.
Born on September 15, 1935, in Adamawa State, Tukur was a politician, businessman, administrator, and elder statesman who held several prominent positions in Nigeria’s public and private sectors.
He served as governor of the old Gongola state during the Second Republic after being elected in 1982. His tenure was cut short by the military coup of December 1983.
Tukur also served as minister of industries under the military administration of Sani Abacha between 1993 and 1995.
Before becoming governor, he was general manager and chief executive of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), where he served from 1975 to 1982.
He was elected national chairman of the PDP in March 2012 and held the position until 2014.
Beyond politics, Tukur was involved in business and continental economic affairs. He founded BHI Holdings, also known as Daddo Group, and was a founder, former president, and life patron of the Africa Business Roundtable.
He also served as chairman of the NEPAD Business Group and became the first African vice-president of the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH).
Tukur obtained a master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh in the United States and was later awarded an honorary doctorate in law by Benue State University, Makurdi.
He held the traditional titles of Tafidan Adamawa and Wakilin Ganye in Adamawa state.
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