Bamanga Tukur, a former national chairman of Nigeria's Peoples Democratic Party, has died at the age of 90, according to Premium Times Nigeria and Channels Television. Punch Newspapers reports that his burial is scheduled for Sunday in Yola, the Adamawa State capital.
THISDAYLIVE reports that President Bola Tinubu, former President Goodluck Jonathan, House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, governors from Nigeria's northern states, Adamawa Governor Ahmadu Fintiri and Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde have all expressed condolences over his passing. Vanguard News also reported that the northern governors joined in mourning the elder statesman.
Tukur's death drew reactions across Nigeria's political class, reflecting a career that placed him at the centre of the country's public life for decades. He led the PDP, which governed at the federal level for 16 years from 1999, and was widely described in the coverage as an elder statesman.
The statements from Tinubu, Jonathan, Abbas and the governors were reported by THISDAYLIVE, while the confirmation of his age and former role came from Premium Times Nigeria and Channels Television. Punch Newspapers carried the funeral arrangement.
Details of the burial in Yola are expected to be confirmed by family and state officials. Further tributes and arrangements for the funeral are likely to follow.
