Adamawa APC gov candidate mourns Bamanga Tukur
September 12, 2026 5:42 pm
File: The Adamawa Governorship candidate of the ruling All Progressive Congress(APC) Alhaji Tijani Galadima
The All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Adamawa State, Ahmed Galadima, has expressed sadness over the death of elder statesman and son of Adamawa State, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, describing his passing as a monumental loss to the state and Nigeria.
In a condolence message issued on Saturday by his media aide, Adamu Sambo, Galadima said the death of Tukur marked the end of an important chapter in the history of public service, politics, business and national development in Nigeria.
He described the deceased as a consummate statesman whose long and distinguished career transcended partisan politics and whose contributions to Nigeria’s development, particularly in public administration, industry, maritime development, business and national politics, earned him a place among the country’s notable public figures.
He said, “Alhaji Bamanga Tukur served as the General Manager and Chief Executive of the Nigerian Ports Authority from 1975 to 1982, where he played a significant role in the development and expansion of Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure.
“He subsequently entered politics and was elected Governor of the old Gongola State in 1983, a territory that later gave birth to present-day Adamawa and Taraba states.
“He later served as Minister of Industries, contributing his wealth of administrative and business experience to national development.
“He also served as National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party from 2012 to 2014.
“Beyond Nigeria, Tukur distinguished himself as a respected African business and development advocate.”
Galadima noted that the positions held by Tukur represented only part of a lifetime devoted to public service, enterprise and the advancement of Nigeria and Africa.
“Alhaji Bamanga Tukur was more than a former governor or former national political leader. He was an institution in his own right. His long journey through public service, business and national politics gave him a depth of experience and wisdom that many generations benefited from.
“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,” he said,
The APC governorship candidate extended his condolences to the Tukur family, the people of Adamawa State, his friends and associates, and the many Nigerians and Africans whose lives he touched during his years of service.
Galadima also commended Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for what he described as a thoughtful, dignified and appropriate decision to declare three days of mourning across Adamawa State in honour of the late elder statesman.
He said the decision was a fitting recognition of Tukur’s stature and contributions and demonstrated that, in moments of profound national and communal loss, respect for distinguished citizens should rise above political differences.
“I commend His Excellency, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, for this thoughtful and statesmanlike decision. Alhaji Bamanga Tukur belonged to Adamawa and to Nigeria. His contributions transcended political party lines, and honouring his memory is therefore a responsibility that should unite us all.
“The three days of mourning provide our people with an opportunity to reflect on his life, honour his memory and acknowledge the sacrifices and contributions he made to the development of our state and country,” he stated.
Galadima further prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive the shortcomings of Tukur, accept his good deeds and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.
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