The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David A. B. Mark, has described the death of ex – Governor of the old Gongola State, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, as a huge loss to Nigeria, saying the country has lost an elder whose wisdom and experience remained invaluable.
The Former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) died at the age of 90 on Saturday, September 12, 2026, according to a statement issued by his family and signed by his son, Awwal D. Tukur.
The family described the late politician as its “beloved father and patriarch,” who lived a life of service to his family, community, Adamawa State and Nigeria.
“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,” he said.
Reacting, Mark, in a condolence message, said Tukur’s death came at a time when Nigeria needed the guidance and counsel of its older generation of leaders to navigate its many challenges.
He described the late elder statesman as a prominent national figure whose contributions to Nigeria’s political, administrative and economic development spanned several decades.
According to him, Tukur’s remarkable public service career, which included his tenure as Governor of the old Gongola State, service as Minister of Industries and later leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), reflected a lifetime dedicated to national service.
Mark also noted that Tukur was an accomplished businessman and international figure whose contributions went beyond partisan politics to encompass national development and institution-building.
“Alhaji Bamanga Tukur belonged to a generation of Nigerians who devoted their lives to the service of the country. His journey through public service, business and politics was remarkable, and his counsel and experience will be greatly missed,” he said.
The ADC chairman said Tukur’s death was not only a painful loss to his family and the people of Adamawa State, but also to Nigeria as a whole.
“His death is not only a loss to his family and the people of Adamawa State, but also to Nigeria as a whole. At this difficult moment, we must remember and celebrate the values of service, patriotism and national unity that characterised his long public career,” Mark added.
He commiserated with the Tukur family, the government and people of Adamawa State, as well as the deceased’s political associates, colleagues and friends.
Mark prayed Almighty Allah to forgive Tukur’s shortcomings, grant him eternal rest and give his family the strength to bear the loss.
