Former PDP Chairman, Bamanga Tukur, Dies at 90

Former Governor of the old Gongola State, former Minister of Industries and one-time National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Dr Bamanga Mahmud Tukur, has died at the age of 90.

Tukur reportedly died in Abuja on Saturday, September 12, 2026, three days before his 91st birthday.

Born on September 15, 1935, in present-day Adamawa State, Tukur was an elder statesman, politician, businessman and administrator whose public career spanned more than six decades.

He occupied several prominent positions in Nigeria’s public and private sectors, making contributions to the country’s political, economic and administrative development.

Tukur served as General Manager and Chief Executive of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) between 1975 and 1982, where he was involved in the management of the nation’s port operations and efforts to address congestion and improve the efficiency of the seaports.

He later ventured into politics and became Governor of the old Gongola State in 1982 during the Second Republic. His tenure, however, was terminated following the military coup of December 1983.

Tukur subsequently returned to the Federal Government, serving as Minister of Industries under the military administration of the late General Sani Abacha between 1993 and 1995.

Beyond public service, he was also prominent in business and continental economic affairs. He founded BHI Holdings, also known as Daddo Group, and was associated with the Africa Business Roundtable, where he served as founder, past president and Life Patron.

In March 2002, Tukur was elected Chairman of the NEPAD Business Group, further cementing his role in Africa’s business and economic development initiatives.

His influence also extended to the international maritime sector, where he became the first African Vice President of the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH).

Tukur returned to partisan politics at the national level in March 2012 when he was elected National Chairman of the PDP, one of Nigeria’s major political parties. He remained in the position until 2014.

Academically, Tukur obtained a Master of Science degree from the University of Pittsburgh in the United States. He was also awarded an honorary Doctorate Degree in Law (Honoris Causa) by Benue State University, Makurdi.

A holder of the traditional titles Tafidan Adamawa and Wakilin Ganye, Tukur was regarded as a prominent member and patriarch of the influential Bamanga family.

Until his death, he remained an influential figure in Nigeria’s political and socio-economic circles, having played significant roles in governance, business, maritime administration and party politics.

His death came just three days before his 91st birthday, which would have been celebrated on September 15.