The Social Democratic Party’s (SDP) 2027 presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has mourned the death of Bamanga Tukur, describing him as a statesman whose career spanned public service, business and politics.
Adebayo, in a condolence message on Saturday, said Tukur made significant contributions to Nigeria’s political and economic development, as well as continental initiatives.
He recalled working with the late statesman on investments in Adamawa State, the promotion of 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,” he said.
Tukur’s political career included serving as governor of the old Gongola State in 1983 and later as minister of industries.
He became national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2012, leading the then ruling party amid internal disagreements that eventually contributed to his resignation in 2014.
Beyond partisan politics, Tukur was also involved in African business and development initiatives, including efforts linked to NEPAD.
Adebayo said Nigeria had lost an experienced leader whose public life spanned several decades and whose contributions would remain part of the country’s history.
He extended his condolences to Tukur’s family, the government and people of Adamawa State, his friends and associates.
He prayed that God would grant the family the strength to bear the loss and grant the deceased eternal rest.
