The 2027 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has mourned the death of Bamanga Tukur, describing him as a statesman whose contributions to Nigeria and Africa spanned politics, business and public service.
Adebayo, in a condolence message, said the late politician and businessman devoted several years to public service and contributed to Nigeria’s political and economic development.
He recalled working with Tukur in areas including investment in Adamawa State, indigenous shipping and the implementation of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD).
“Personally, I have had the privilege of working with this true and illustrious Nigerian personage in terms of my investments in his beloved state of Adamawa, in the area of promotion of indigenous shipping, and in the implementation of the mandate of NEPAD, under his leadership,” Adebayo said.
Tukur, who died on Saturday aged 90, was born in Adamawa State in 1935 and held several senior public and political positions during his career.
He served as General Manager of the Nigerian Ports Authority from 1975 to 1982 before becoming governor of the old Gongola State in 1983, a position he held briefly before the military coup that ended the Second Republic.
He later served as Minister of Industries under the military administration of Gen. Sani Abacha and became prominent in business and continental economic affairs through organisations including the African Business Roundtable and NEPAD Business Group.
Tukur also served as National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from 2012 to 2014, a period marked by internal tensions within the then ruling party.
Adebayo said Nigeria had lost an experienced political leader and elder whose contributions would remain part of the country’s history.
He extended his condolences to Mr Tukur’s family, the government and people of Adamawa State, his friends and associates.
He prayed that God would give the family strength to cope with the loss and grant the deceased eternal rest.
