Former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, has died at the age of 90.
Tukur’s death was confirmed by family sources on Saturday, although details surrounding his death were not immediately available as of the time of filing this report.
Born on September 15, 1935, Tukur was a businessman, politician and former governor of the old Gongola State, which comprised present-day Adamawa and Taraba states.
He began his public service career as the General Manager of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), a position he held from 1975 to 1982.
He later ventured into politics and became governor of Gongola State in 1983. His administration, however, was terminated following the military coup that brought the Second Republic to an end later that year.
After leaving office, Tukur returned to the private sector and founded BHI Holdings, also known as the DADDO Group of Companies.
He later served as Minister of Industries under the military administration of the late General Sani Abacha between 1993 and 1995.
Tukur was also active in African business and investment circles. He served as Executive President of the African Business Roundtable and Chairman of the NEPAD Business Group, while holding other positions in international business and investment organisations.
In March 2012, Tukur emerged as National Chairman of the PDP with the backing of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
His tenure as chairman was marked by internal disagreements within the party, and he eventually resigned from the position in January 2014.
Tukur, who held the traditional title of Tafidan Adamawa, was also a recipient of national honours, including Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) and Commander of the Order of the Mono (COM).
His death marks the end of a long career spanning public administration, politics, business and international economic affairs.
