Former Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has described the late former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, as one of Nigeria’s finest citizens, saying his death represents a great loss to the country.

Amosun, in a condolence message issued through his Media Office, described Tukur, who died on Saturday, September 12, 2026, barely three days to his 91st birthday, as a respected elder statesman, accomplished public servant and foremost political leader.

He said Tukur’s remarkable life was defined by pioneering contributions to public service, politics, governance, business and national development, adding that his decades of service extended beyond Nigeria to the African continent.

The former governor particularly recalled Tukur’s appointment in 1975 as General Manager and Chief Executive of the Nigerian Ports Authority, where he contributed significantly to the development of Nigeria’s maritime sector.

Amosun also highlighted the late politician’s roles in the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) and the African Business Roundtable (ABR), through which he contributed to African economic cooperation and private-sector development.

He noted that Tukur’s political career included serving as Governor of the old Gongola State, now Adamawa, in 1983; Minister of Industry between 1993 and 1995; and National Chairman of the PDP from 2012 to 2014.

“Our nation’s political landscape has been greatly enriched by the life and contributions of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur. He distinguished himself through decades of service to Adamawa State, the Northern Region, Nigeria, and the African continent,” Amosun said.

He added that Tukur’s conferment with the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) and the traditional title of Tafidan Adamawa represented enduring recognition of his contributions to the nation and his community.

Amosun extended his condolences to the Tukur family, the government and people of Adamawa State, as well as his political and business associates, friends and others mourning the elder statesman.

He prayed that Almighty Allah grants the deceased Aljannah Firdaus and gives his children, grandchildren, associates and the entire family the fortitude to bear the loss.