President Bola Tinubu, the Peoples Democratic Party, the Northern States Governors’ Forum and other political leaders have expressed condolences over the death of former Gongola State Governor and ex-PDP National Chairman, Bamanga Tukur.

Tukur died in Abuja on Saturday at the age of 90 after a prolonged illness, according to a statement issued by his son, Awwal Tukur, the Secretary to the Adamawa State Government.

His family described him as a devoted father and elder who dedicated much of his life to public service, business and the development of Adamawa State and Nigeria.

Tukur, who was born on September 15, 1935, held several prominent positions during his career. He served as General Manager and Chief Executive of the Nigerian Ports Authority from 1975 to 1982, Minister of Industries and governor of the old Gongola State in 1983.

He later became National Chairman of the PDP, serving from March 2012 until his resignation in January 2014 during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

President Tinubu described the late politician as an accomplished public servant and businessman whose career covered governance, industry, politics and African economic development.

The President also acknowledged Tukur’s role in the development of Nigeria’s maritime sector during his time at the NPA, as well as his contributions to the private sector through his involvement in manufacturing, agriculture, logistics and trading.

Tinubu said Tukur’s experience and counsel would be missed by the country, while extending his condolences to the deceased’s family, the Fombina Emirate, the Adamawa State Government and the wider political and business community.

The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, described Tukur’s death as a major loss to the North and Nigeria.

Yahaya said Tukur spent more than six decades serving the country in different capacities and contributed to public administration, politics and economic development.

The PDP also mourned its former national chairman, describing him as a respected public servant whose career contributed to Nigeria’s political and democratic development.

The party said Tukur brought considerable experience to its leadership and played a significant role during an important period in the party’s history.

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki also paid tribute to Tukur, recalling his years of public service and political leadership.

Saraki described him as a man who dedicated his life to Nigeria, adding that although they did not always agree politically, he maintained respect for Tukur’s experience, convictions and commitment to the country.

National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, David Mark, equally described the death as a significant loss to Nigeria. He said Tukur’s contributions went beyond politics, noting his record in public administration, business and institution-building.

Meanwhile, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has declared three days of mourning in honour of the former governor and PDP chairman.

Tukur is survived by two wives and 18 children. His burial was scheduled for Sunday at 10am at the Lamido’s Palace.

His tenure as PDP chairman came during a period of major internal disagreements within the party, including the emergence of the New PDP faction in 2013. He later served as Ambassador-at-Large under the Jonathan administration.

Across his decades of public service, Tukur held leadership roles in government, business and continental economic organisations, including the African Business Roundtable and NEPAD Business Group.