Bamanga Tukur: The Life, Legacy and Death of a Nigerian Statesman
Nigeria mourns the passing of Bamanga Tukur, a former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and influential elder statesman, who was laid to rest in Yola, Adamawa State. Tukur, who died days before his 91st birthday, leaves behind a legacy spanning public service, business, and politics, with tributes pouring in from national leaders and dignitaries across Africa.
Former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bamanga Tukur, was laid to rest on Sunday in his hometown of Yola, Adamawa State, following his death on Saturday at the age of 90, days before his 91st birthday on September 15.
The funeral prayer was led by the Chief Imam of Modibbo Adama Central Mosque, Alhaji Ahmadu Bobboi, before Tukur was buried at the family compound in Wamilin Chamba House burial ground, in accordance with Islamic rites.
Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri led government officials, lawmakers and political stakeholders to the funeral, which was also attended by the Lamido of Adamawa, Dr Barkindo Aliyu Musdafa, Aliko Dangote, Senator Iya Abbas and former Governor Jibrilla Bindow.
Governor Fintiri declared three days of statewide mourning and Monday, September 14, as a work-free day, while promising that the state government would take steps to immortalise Tukur’s legacy.
Born on September 15, 1935, Tukur studied transportation and economics at the London School of Economics before earning a master’s degree in public and international affairs from the University of Pittsburgh, later building a career spanning maritime administration, business, politics and public service.
He served as General Manager and Chief Executive of the Nigerian Ports Authority from 1975 to 1982, became the first African vice president of the International Association of Ports and Harbours, and later won election as governor of the defunct Gongola State in 1983 before his administration was terminated by the military coup that brought Muhammadu Buhari to power.
From Maritime Administration to National Politics
Bamaga Tukur later established BHI Holdings, popularly known as the DADDO Group of Companies, before returning to government as Minister of Industries under General Sani Abacha from 1993 to 1995.
He became one of the founding members of the PDP after the return to democracy in 1999 and was elected National Chairman of the party in March 2012, but internal divisions involving governors, lawmakers and other influential members culminated in the formation of the New PDP faction in 2013 and his resignation as chairman in January 2014.
Tukur, who held the traditional title of Tafidan Adamawa and received national and international honours including CON from Nigeria and COM from Togo, later retired from partisan politics at 80, saying younger Nigerians should have the opportunity to take over while he continued serving as a statesman.
President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the Northern Nigeria Governors’ Forum and the PDP were among those who mourned Tukur, describing him as a patriot, statesman and influential figure in Nigeria’s political and economic development.
Obasanjo recalled his decades of public service, while Shettima described him as a “true patriot, a global citizen and an institution in his own right,” and Dangote praised his pioneering contribution to private enterprise and industrial development in Northern Nigeria.
Tukur is survived by his wives, children, and grandchildren, including his eldest son, Awwal Tukur, who serves as Secretary to the Adamawa State Government.