By Olusegun Samuel Precious
Former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and elder statesman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, has passed away, leaving behind a monumental legacy in Nigerian politics, public administration, and international commerce.
Tukur’s passing has triggered a wave of tributes across the country, led by his political associates, family, and his son-in-law, former Minister of Sports and Special Duties, Professor Taoheed Adedoja.
Reflecting on his last interaction with the late statesman, Professor Adedoja, who is married to Tukur’s daughter, Jamila, recounted a poignant telephone conversation on August 19, 2026.
“He called both my wife and me to wish Jamila a happy birthday. Despite his illness, his spirit remained remarkably high—full of warmth, enthusiasm, and hope as he asked when we would meet next,” Adedoja recalled. “Allah did not allow that meeting to happen.”
Describing their bond as far exceeding that of a typical son-in-law, Professor Adedoja noted that the late PDP leader treated him as a biological son, with the duo meeting bi-monthly to discuss national issues, education, governance, and life. Adedoja and his wife have since departed for Yola, Adamawa State, to pay their final respects.
A Life of Service and Cross-Cultural Ties
Beyond his political prominence in the North, Alhaji Tukur maintained strong national bridges. In 1976, during the reign of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Shittu Akintola Oyetunde II, he was conferred with the traditional title of Balogun of Ibadanland, cementing his lifelong ties to the South-West.
Family Legacy
Alhaji Tukur was a patriarch to 19 children. His family previously suffered a tragic loss in May 2026 following the death of his son, Seriki, the only child to predecease him.
He is survived by two wives and 18 children, led by his eldest son, Alhaji Awwal Tukur—a lawyer, businessman, and current Secretary to the State Government (SSG) of Adamawa State. Funeral arrangements will be announced by the family in Yola.
