Former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Mohammed Tukur, is dead. He was 90 years-old.
Tukur died on Saturday, September 12, 2026, three days before his 91st birthday, according to a statement issued by his family and signed by his son, Awwal D. Tukur.
The family described him as its “beloved father and patriarch,” saying he dedicated his life to the service of 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,” the statement said.
The family thanked relatives, friends and well-wishers for their prayers, condolences and support following his death.
It said details of the Janazah, or Islamic funeral prayer, and other burial arrangements would be announced later.
“We pray that Almighty Allah forgives his shortcomings, accepts his good deeds and grants him Aljannatul Firdaus,” the family said.
Born on September 15, 1935, Tukur had a long career spanning public service, politics, business and economic advocacy.
He served as governor of the old Gongola State and later as Minister of Industries under the military administration of the late General Sani Abacha.
He also served as General Manager and Chief Executive of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), in addition to holding several positions in business and African economic advocacy.
Tukur became national chairman of the PDP in March 2012, taking over the leadership of the then ruling party under former President Goodluck Jonathan.
His tenure, however, coincided with one of the most turbulent periods in the party’s history, as disagreements between the national leadership and powerful blocs within the PDP increasingly threatened the stability of the Jonathan administration.
The crisis eventually led to the emergence of the faction popularly known as the New PDP in 2013. Several prominent party figures broke ranks with the national leadership, challenging the direction of the party under Jonathan.
The faction was led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and included several former governors and senior party leaders.
The two camps subsequently engaged in a prolonged struggle for control of the party’s structures, with the rebellion contributing to a major realignment of political forces ahead of the 2015 general elections.
Tukur’s leadership came under increasing pressure as the internal crisis deepened, and he resigned as national chairman in January 2014.
He was later appointed Ambassador-at-Large by the Jonathan administration