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Adamawa declares three days of mourning as Tinubu, Fintiri pay tribute to businessman-politician who died three days shy of 91st birthday

By Our Correspondent 

Alhaji Bamanga Mohammed Tukur, the one-time National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, former general manager of the Nigerian Ports Authority and ex-Governor of the defunct Gongola State, has died at the age of 90.

The billionaire businessman-politician, who was born on September 15, 1935, passed away on Saturday, September 12, 2026, just three days before what would have been his 91st birthday.

His family announced his passing in a statement signed by his son, Hon. Awwal D. Tukur.

“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 read.

The family described him as a patriarch who lived a distinguished life of service to his family, community, Adamawa State and Nigeria, adding that his wisdom, generosity and commitment to national development touched countless lives.

He passed away at a hospital in Abuja, and his remains were subsequently flown to Yola, Adamawa State, for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.

A Career Spanning Five Decades

Tukur’s public career spanned more than five decades. He served as General Manager and Chief Executive of the Nigerian Ports Authority from 1975 to 1982, where he helped modernise port operations and improve Nigeria’s maritime sector, before being elected Governor of the old Gongola State during the Second Republic. His tenure was cut short by the military coup of December 1983.

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

In March 2012, Tukur emerged as National Chairman of the PDP with the backing of then-President Goodluck Jonathan. He held the position until January 2014, when he resigned amid prolonged internal factional disputes within the ruling party, including the emergence of the “New PDP” faction.

Beyond politics, Tukur was a prominent businessman and continental economic figure. He founded BHI Holdings, also known as the Daddo Group, a conglomerate with interests in manufacturing, agriculture, logistics and trading. He served as Executive President of the African Business Roundtable and Chairman of the NEPAD Business Group, and was the first African Vice President of the International Association of Ports and Harbours.

He held the traditional titles of Tafidan Adamawa and Wakilin Ganye in Adamawa State, and was a recipient of Nigeria’s national honour, Commander of the Order of the Niger, as well as Commander of the Order of the Mono from the Republic of Togo.

Tinubu: End of a Remarkable Chapter

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described Tukur’s passing as “the end of a remarkable chapter in Nigeria’s political and economic history.”

The President said Tukur was “a towering figure whose distinguished career spanned public administration, governance, industry, politics and pan-African business leadership.”

On the continental stage, President Tinubu noted that Tukur was “an eloquent champion of Africa’s economic renaissance” who, as Executive President of the African Business Roundtable and Chairman of the NEPAD Business Group, was “a relentless advocate for intra-African trade, private sector-led growth and sustainable development.”

Recalling his tenure as PDP National Chairman, the President praised Tukur’s “sterling contributions to democracy through enforcing party discipline and building consensus.”

“Alhaji Tukur was urbane, generous and deeply rooted in the values of integrity and service that the Adamawa Emirate and the nation hold dear. He was a man of big ideas and bold enterprise who believed in Nigeria’s limitless potential. Nigeria will sorely miss his wise counsel and fatherly guidance,” President Tinubu remarked.

The President extended heartfelt condolences to the Tukur family, the Fombina Emirate of Adamawa, the Government and people of Adamawa State, and the entire political and business communities in Nigeria and across Africa, praying that Almighty Allah will forgive his shortcomings, grant his soul Aljannah Firdaus, and comfort all who mourn.

Adamawa Declares Three Days of Mourning

Adamawa State’s Governor Ahmadu Fintiri described Tukur’s death as a monumental loss to the state and the nation, and declared three days of mourning. Throughout Adamawa, all government flags are to fly at half-mast.

The late Tukur is survived by his family, including his son Awwal, who signed the announcement of his passing.