Former PDP Chairman Bamanga Tukur Dies at 90, Body Arrives Yola for Sunday Burial

Nigeria is mourning the passing of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and one of the country’s most influential elder statesmen, who died at the age of 90. His body arrived in Yola, Adamawa State, on Saturday ahead of his burial scheduled for Sunday in accordance with Islamic rites.

According to a statement issued by the family’s spokesman, Oliver Okpala, Tukur died at about 12 noon on Saturday at his residence on Adetokunbo Ademola Street, Wuse 2, Abuja. The statement was released with the consent of his first son, Awwal Tukur, Secretary to the Adamawa State Government, and his daughter, Lami Tukur. The late elder statesman would have celebrated his 91st birthday on September 15, 2026, having been born on September 15, 1935.

Family members, political associates, traditional rulers and government officials gathered in Yola to receive his remains as preparations began for funeral prayers at the Lamido’s Palace, where he is scheduled to be laid to rest by 10:00 a.m. on Sunday under Islamic rites.

Born in 1935, Tukur built a distinguished career that spanned public administration, business and politics. He served as Governor of the former Gongola State, later chaired the Nigerian Ports Authority, and became National Chairman of the PDP in 2012 during one of the party’s most defining periods. Beyond politics, he was widely respected as a successful entrepreneur and advocate for economic development across Africa.

Tributes poured in from across Nigeria’s political landscape, reflecting the breadth of Tukur’s influence. President Bola Tinubu described him as a nationalist whose life was devoted to the service of Nigeria, while former President Goodluck Jonathan remembered him as a bridge-builder and committed democrat. Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Gombe State Governor and Chairman of the Northern Nigeria Governors’ Forum Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, the Peoples Democratic Party, and African Democratic Congress National Chairman David Mark also paid glowing tributes, celebrating his legacy as an elder statesman, businessman and political leader.

His passing comes at a time when Nigeria’s political class is increasingly reflecting on the contributions of the generation that shaped the country’s Fourth Republic. Although his tenure as PDP chairman was marked by internal party challenges, colleagues say his enduring commitment to dialogue, national unity and democratic governance remained a defining feature of his public life.

Mourners continued to gather at the family residence in Yola throughout Saturday evening, offering prayers and condolences ahead of the burial. The Adamawa State capital has become the focal point for dignitaries arriving to pay their final respects to one of the state’s most prominent sons.

Tukur’s death closes a remarkable chapter in Nigeria’s political history. Having served his country across several decades in government, commerce and party leadership, he leaves behind a legacy defined by public service, entrepreneurship and an unwavering belief in democratic nation-building, a legacy that will continue to resonate far beyond his final farewell.