Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed grief over the death of former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, describing the late elder statesman as a patriot who devoted his life to public service.
Obasanjo, in a tribute issued through his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, on Sunday, said Tukur’s career across government, business and politics reflected a strong commitment to Nigeria.
In the tribute titled “Tribute To A Colossus Of Public Service And Industrial Development: Alhaji Bamanga Tukur”, Obasanjo said, “It was with a profound sense of loss and deep reflection that I received the news of the transition of my long-time associate, compatriot, and elder statesman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, who has returned to his Creator at the age of 91.
“Bamanga’s life was a testament to patriotism, unwavering commitment, and stellar public service. Throughout his long career, which spanned across governance, international business, and political leadership, he carried himself with an unmistakable sense of duty.
From his transformative years steering the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to his tenure as the civilian Governor of the defunct Gongola State and later as Minister of Industries, his focus remained fixed on national productivity and progress. Our paths crossed decisively during the formative and challenging eras of our democratic journey, most notably when he served as the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“While politics often brought robust debates and differing perspectives on the direction of our party and nation, I never for once doubted his foundational love for Nigeria. He was an institutional pillar who stood tall in the face of political storms. Beyond our borders, his leadership as the Chairman of the African Business Roundtable demonstrated his visionary commitment to economic independence and pan-African integration.
“With his passing, Nigeria has lost a colossus and a bridge-builder. He has run his race, made his mark, and left an indelible footprint in the history of our republic. On behalf of my family, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Tukur family, the government and people of Adamawa State, and his political associates across the nation. May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings, grant his soul eternal rest in Al-Jannah Firdaus, and give his loved ones the fortitude to bear this monumental loss.”
Tukur died on Saturday, September 12, 2026, according to a statement released by his family and signed by his son, Awwal D. Tukur. Reports said he died at the age of 90, three days before his 91st birthday.
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The family described him as its “beloved father and patriarch” and said his life was dedicated to serving 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 thanked Nigerians and others who had offered prayers, condolences and support following his death, adding that details of the Janazah, or funeral prayer, and other burial arrangements would be announced.
Born on September 15, 1935, Tukur built a career spanning public administration, politics, business and African economic advocacy.
He served as General Manager and Chief Executive of the Nigerian Ports Authority before becoming governor of the old Gongola State. He later served as Minister of Industries during the military administration of the late General Sani Abacha.
Tukur also played a prominent role in Nigeria’s business community and African economic affairs, including leadership of the African Business Roundtable.
He returned to frontline partisan politics in 2012 when he became National Chairman of the PDP under former President Goodluck Jonathan.
His tenure coincided with internal divisions within the party, including the emergence of the “New PDP” faction in 2013. He eventually resigned as national chairman in January 2014 and was subsequently appointed Ambassador-at-Large by the Jonathan administration.
Tukur’s death has drawn tributes from political leaders and organisations, who have highlighted his decades of service in government, business and politics.