Former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party and former governor of the defunct Gongola State, Bamanga Tukur, has died, bringing to a close a decades-long career spanning politics, public administration and business. His death was confirmed by family sources on Saturday, September 12, 2026, although differing early reports gave his age as 90 or 91. Tukur was born on September 15, 1935, meaning he died just days before what would have been his 91st birthday.
Tukur was one of the prominent political figures of Nigeria’s Second Republic and later became a major figure within the PDP. He served as governor of the old Gongola State, which covered present-day Adamawa and Taraba states, after winning the 1983 governorship election. His tenure lasted only a few months before the military coup of December 31, 1983 ended the civilian government.Politics
Before entering elective politics, Tukur built a career in public administration and served as chief executive of the Nigerian Ports Authority from 1975 to 1982. His period at the NPA coincided with a challenging era for Nigeria’s ports, including the congestion associated with the country’s large-scale cement imports. After leaving the Gongola Government House, he expanded his activities in the private sector through BHI Holdings, also known as the DADDO Group of Companies.Geographic Reference
Tukur later returned to federal government service, serving as Minister of Industries between 1993 and 1995 during the military administration of General Sani Abacha. His activities also extended beyond Nigeria through the African Business Roundtable and the NEPAD Business Group, where he held senior leadership positions promoting private-sector participation in African economic development.Africans & Diaspora
His political profile rose again in March 2012 when he was elected National Chairman of the PDP during the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan. His tenure coincided with a period of intense internal disagreement within the ruling party, including the emergence of a breakaway faction involving several governors and senior politicians. Tukur eventually resigned as PDP chairman in January 2014.
He also participated in the presidential politics of the aborted Third Republic and held the traditional title of Tafidan Adamawa. Tukur received the Commander of the Order of the Niger national honour in recognition of his public service and was also active for decades in business and continental economic organisations.Politics
His death removes another prominent figure from the generation of Nigerian politicians whose careers stretched from the Second Republic into the Fourth Republic. Funeral arrangements and further details surrounding his death are expected to be announced by his family.
