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From Billy Abel, Yola
The Adamawa State Governor, Rt Hon Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has expressed deep sadness over the death of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, former governor of the defunct Gongola State and former national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Tukur, an elder statesman, accomplished businessman, and distinguished politician, died on Saturday after a brief illness, three days before his 91st birthday.
Governor Fintiri, in a condolence message issued on Saturday, described the death of the former governor as a monumental loss to Adamawa State and Nigeria, commending his courage, foresight, patriotism and lifelong commitment to public service.
“Alhaji Bamanga Tukur was a colossus who made remarkable contributions to the development of Adamawa State and Nigeria. His wealth of experience, wisdom, and commitment to public service earned him a place of honour in our national history.
“I will personally miss his wise counsel and the depth of experience he brought to matters concerning our state and nation. His passing has left a significant void that will be difficult to fill,” Fintiri said.
The governor extended his condolences to the deceased’s immediate family, friends, associates and the people of Adamawa State, urging them to draw strength from his enduring legacy of service and leadership.
In honour of Tukur and in recognition of his contributions to the state and nation, Fintiri declared three days of mourning across Adamawa State, directing that all government flags be flown at half-mast during the period.
He prayed Almighty Allah to forgive the deceased’s shortcomings, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus and give his family and loved ones the fortitude to bear the loss.
Tukur to be buried Sunday
Meanwhile, the family of the late elder statesman has announced that he will be buried in Yola on Sunday, September 13, 2026.
According to a statement signed by Awwal Tukur, the corpse will arrive in Yola on Saturday, while funeral prayers will be conducted at the Lamido’s Palace by 10:00 am on Sunday before his burial.
Tukur, who served as the third civilian governor of the defunct Gongola State, is survived by two wives and 18 children, including the Secretary to the Adamawa State Government, Awwal Tukur.
Omar Suleiman mourns
The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Amb Engr Omar Suleiman, also expressed profound sadness over Tukur’s death, describing it as a deep and painful loss to Adamawa State, the North-East and Nigeria.
Suleiman described the late former governor as a distinguished elder statesman whose life reflected decades of service to the people and the nation.
He said Tukur belonged to a generation of leaders whose experience, wisdom and contributions to public life helped shape the political and economic development of the state and Nigeria.
“The passing of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur is a profound loss to Adamawa State and Nigeria. He was a distinguished elder statesman whose life reflected decades of service to our people and nation,” Suleiman said.
The ADC candidate urged Nigerians to look beyond political differences in mourning the late elder statesman and remember his contributions to public life.
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“Adamawa has lost one of its prominent sons, and Nigeria has lost a voice and a repository of valuable experience,” he said.
Suleiman condoled with the Tukur family, his friends, associates and political colleagues, and prayed Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.
Galadima describes death as monumental loss
The APC governorship candidate in Adamawa State, Ahmed Galadima Aminu, described Tukur’s death as a monumental loss to the state and Nigeria.
Galadima, in a condolence message signed by his media aide, Adamu Sambo, described Tukur as a consummate statesman whose career transcended partisan politics.
He recalled Tukur’s service as General Manager and Chief Executive of the Nigerian Ports Authority between 1975 and 1982, his election as governor of the old Gongola State in 1983, and his subsequent service as Minister of Industries.
Tukur also served as national chairman of the PDP from 2012 to 2014.
Galadima said the late elder statesman’s contributions to public administration, industry, maritime development, business and national politics earned him a place among Nigeria’s notable public figures.
“For Adamawa, his passing is particularly painful; we have lost an elder whose footprints are deeply embedded in the political and developmental history of our state. His life reminds us that public service is ultimately about the enduring impact we leave behind,” Galadima said.
He also commended Governor Fintiri for declaring three days of mourning across the state, describing the decision as a fitting recognition of Tukur’s stature and contributions.
Galadima prayed Allah to forgive Tukur’s shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.
Maurice suspends campaign
The PDP governorship candidate in Adamawa State, Chief Maurice Vunobolki, also expressed sorrow over the death of Tukur, describing him as a father, leader and statesman whose life was deeply connected to the history and development of Adamawa State and Nigeria.
Vunobolki said Tukur’s death had created a significant void in the political and social life of the state.
He described the deceased as more than a politician, noting that his long years of public service and contributions to the development of the former Gongola State and Nigeria would not be forgotten.
Meanwhile, Vunobolki announced the suspension of all his campaign activities for three days in honour of the late former governor and former PDP national chairman.
The suspension takes effect from Sunday, September 13, as the PDP governorship candidate joins the Tukur family and the people of Adamawa State in mourning the elder statesman.
He urged the Tukur family, the people of Adamawa, and members of the PDP to take solace in the enduring legacy of the late former governor.
