By Our Reporter
Former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Muhammad Tukur, has died at the age of 90. Tukur, a former governor of the old Gongola State and General Manager and Chief Executive of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), died on Saturday, September 12, 2026, according to a statement by his family. His remains are expected to be taken to Yola, Adamawa State, for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
Born on September 15, 1935, Tukur had a long career spanning public administration, politics, and business. He headed the NPA from 1975 to 1982, was elected governor of the old Gongola State in 1983, and later served as Minister of Industries from 1993 to 1995. He also founded BHI Holdings, popularly known as the DADDO Group of Companies, and held prominent positions in African business organisations, including the African Business Roundtable and the NEPAD Business Group.
Tukur returned to frontline politics as PDP National Chairman in March 2012 but resigned in January 2014 amid a prolonged crisis within the party. His death, coming three days before his 91st birthday, has drawn tributes from political leaders, including Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, who described him as a “colossus” whose wisdom, experience, and commitment to public service left a significant mark on Adamawa and Nigeria. Fintiri has declared three days of mourning in the state.