BREAKING: Former PDP chairman Bamanga Tukur dies at 90

Former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, has died at the age of 90.

Tukur reportedly died on Saturday, September 12, 2026, according to a report by Western Post, which said it learnt of his death from family sources. Details surrounding his death were not immediately available at the time of filing this report.

Born on September 15, 1935, Bamanga Tukur was one of Nigeria’s prominent political and business figures, with a public career spanning several decades.

He served as Governor of the old Gongola State in 1983, shortly before the military coup that brought an end to Nigeria’s Second Republic. Gongola State was subsequently divided into present-day Adamawa and Taraba states.

Before entering politics, Tukur served as General Manager and Chief Executive of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) from 1975 to 1982, where he played a significant role in the development of Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure.

He later served as Minister of Industries under the military administration of General Sani Abacha between 1993 and 1995.

Tukur also established himself as an influential figure in African business circles. He served as Executive President of the Africa Business Roundtable and held leadership positions in organisations involved in African business, investment and maritime affairs.

PDP National Chairman

Tukur returned to the political centre stage in March 2012 when he became National Chairman of the PDP during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

His tenure, however, was marked by intense internal disagreements within the party. He eventually resigned as national chairman in January 2014 amid growing tensions within the ruling party.

Following his resignation, Tukur remained an influential elder statesman and continued to participate in national and continental affairs.

He was also the traditional title holder of Tafidan Adamawa and was honoured by the Nigerian government with the national awards of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) and Commander of the Order of the Mono (COM).

Celebrated 90th birthday last year

The reported death comes almost exactly one year after Tukur celebrated his 90th birthday on September 15, 2025.

At the time, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Babangida Nguroje described him as an elder statesman whose contributions to politics, business, administration and nation-building had left a lasting legacy.

Tukur’s 90th birthday was also marked by tributes highlighting his decades of service to Nigeria and his contribution to African business and development.

If the death is formally confirmed by his family, Bamanga Tukur’s passing will mark the end of the life of one of the notable political figures of Nigeria’s Second Republic and one of the country’s most prominent political and business leaders of his generation.

He is survived by his family.

More details on the circumstances surrounding his death are expected to emerge.