Bamanga Tukur, who once led the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as its national chairman and contested for the presidency during the Third Republic, has died. He was 90 years old.
Family sources confirmed his passing on Saturday, though the specific circumstances surrounding his death were not immediately disclosed.
Born on 15 September, 1935, Tukur built a long career as both a politician and a public administrator. He governed the defunct Gongola State, which covered what is now Adamawa and Taraba states, during Nigeria’s Second Republic.
His entry into public service began at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), where he worked as General Manager from 1975 to 1982. He later moved into elective politics and won the Gongola gubernatorial election in 1983. His time in office was abruptly ended by the military coup of December that same year.
After leaving public office, Tukur made his mark in the private sector, establishing BHI Holdings, widely known as the DADDO Group of Companies.
He returned to government between 1993 and 1995, serving as Minister of Industries under General Sani Abacha’s military administration.
Tukur also played a significant role in continental economic policy. He served as Executive President of the African Business Roundtable and chaired the NEPAD Business Group, while also holding advisory positions with several international trade organisations.
In March 2012, with the support of then-President Goodluck Jonathan, he was elected PDP National Chairman. He remained in the role until January 2014, when he stepped down amid persistent internal factional disputes within the party.
He held the traditional title of Tafidan Adamawa. In recognition of his contributions to the nation, the federal government honoured him with the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), while the Republic of Togo awarded him the Commander of the Order of the Mono (COM).
He is survived by his wives, children, and grand children.
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