Politics
Former PDP Chairman Bamanga Tukur Dies Three Days Before 91st Birthday
Bamanga Tukur, former national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has died at the age of 90.
His family announced his death on Saturday, just three days before his 91st birthday.
Bamanga Tukur was born on September 15, 1935, in Adamawa State.
The late politician was also a businessman, administrator and respected elder statesman who served in several important roles in Nigeria.
Tukur became governor of the old Gongola State after winning the 1982 election.
His time in office ended when the military took over government in December 1983.
He later served as Minister of Industries under the military government led by Sani Abacha between 1993 and 1995.
Before becoming governor, Tukur headed the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) as its general manager and chief executive officer from 1975 to 1982.
He returned to national politics in 2012 when he was elected national chairman of the PDP. He held the party leadership position until 2014.
Outside politics, Tukur was active in business and African economic development.
He founded BHI Holdings, also known as Daddo Group, and was among the founders of the Africa Business Roundtable, where he later served as president and life patron.
He also chaired the NEPAD Business Group and made history as the first African to become vice-president of the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH).
Tukur studied in the United States and earned a master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh. He later received an honorary doctorate in law from Benue State University in Makurdi.
He was also a holder of traditional titles in Adamawa State, including Tafidan Adamawa and Wakilin Ganye.
His death marks the end of the life of a prominent figure who played roles in Nigerian politics, public administration and business over several decades.
