Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has declared three days of mourning across the state following the death of former Gongola State Governor Bamanga Tukur.
Tukur, a former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), died on Saturday, September 12, 2026, aged 90. He would have turned 91 on September 15.
Fintiri announced the mourning period in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou.
The governor described Tukur’s death as a monumental loss to Adamawa State and Nigeria.
He extended condolences to Tukur’s family, political associates, friends, well-wishers and the people of Adamawa State.
Fintiri pays tribute to Tukur
Fintiri praised the late elder statesman’s courage, foresight, patriotism, wisdom and commitment to public service.
He said Tukur’s experience and counsel had contributed significantly to discussions about the development of Adamawa State and Nigeria.
The governor said he would personally miss Tukur’s advice and the depth of experience he brought to matters concerning the state.
Fintiri said the former governor’s death had created a significant void that would be difficult to fill.
As part of the mourning period, government flags across Adamawa are to fly at half-mast.
Tukur’s long public service career
Tukur was the governor of the former Gongola State in 1983 before the military coup that ended the Second Republic.
He later served as Minister of Industries and headed the Nigerian Ports Authority between 1975 and 1982.
He returned to frontline partisan politics decades later, becoming National Chairman of the PDP in 2012. He resigned from the position in January 2014.
Tukur also held prominent roles in African business and economic development, including leadership positions in the Africa Business Roundtable and NEPAD Business Group.
Burial scheduled in Yola
Tukur’s remains are expected to be buried in Yola on Sunday, September 13, according to arrangements announced by his family.
Funeral prayers are scheduled for 10am at the Lamido’s Palace before his burial under Islamic rites.
President Bola Tinubu has also mourned Tukur, describing his death as the end of a remarkable chapter in Nigeria’s political and economic history.
Tukur’s death has therefore triggered tributes across Nigeria, particularly in Adamawa, where he remained an influential elder statesman.
