By Adetutu Audu
Former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, has died, leaving behind a legacy of public service, business leadership and elder statesmanship.
Tukur died on Saturday, 12 September, 2026, at a hospital in Abuja after a protracted illness, and his remains have since been flown to Yola, the Adamawa State capital, for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
He is mourned by his family and associates, notably his son-in-law, former Minister, Professor Taoheed Adedoja, who is married to his daughter, Jamila Bamanga Tukur-Adedoja.
Tukur’s traditional roots stretched beyond his northern home. In 1976, he was conferred with the title of Balogun of Ibadan during the reign of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Shittu Akintola Oyetunde II, who was succeeded later that year by Oba Gbadamosi Akanbi Adebimpe.
The elder statesman was a patriarch to 19 children. In May 2026, the family grieved the loss of one of his sons, Seriki, who became the only child to predecease him.
His last conversation with Professor Adedoja came on August 19, 2026, when he called both his son-in-law and his daughter, Jamila, to wish her a happy birthday.
Despite Tukur’s ongoing illness, Professor Adedoja recalled that his spirit remained remarkably high, full of warmth and hope, as he asked when they would meet next. “Allah did not allow that to happen,” Professor Adedoja said.
Upon receiving news of his death, Professor Adedoja and his wife immediately embarked on a trip to Yola to pay their final respects.
He described their relationship as extraordinary, noting that Tukur embraced him as a biological son rather than a son-in-law, and that the pair made it a point to meet every two months for discussions on politics, governance, education and life.
Tukur is survived by two wives and 18 children, led by his first son, Awal Tukur, the Secretary to the State Government of Adamawa State, a lawyer, politician and businessman who carries forward the family’s dedication to public service.
In the Second Republic, Tukur served as elected Governor of old Gongola State between October and December 1983. He was elected on the platform of the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN) succeeding then incumbent Late Alhaji Abubakar Barde then of the defunct Great Nigeria Peoples Party (GNPP).
Tukur was also former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
