The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has described the death of former Governor of the old Gongola State and former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Bamanga Mohammed Tukur, as the loss of a major figure in Nigeria’s political and public life.

Adebayo, in a condolence message, said Tukur’s decades of service spanned governance, business, administration and national politics, describing him as a member of a generation of Nigerian leaders whose careers were defined by extensive experience in public service.

He said Tukur’s contributions to the country cut across several important stages of Nigeria’s political and economic development.

“Alhaji Bamanga Tukur was not merely a politician; he was an institution in Nigerian public life. From his years at the Nigerian Ports Authority to his service as Governor of Gongola State, Minister of Industries and later National Chairman of the PDP, he left his footprints across important chapters of our national history,” Adebayo said.

He described Tukur’s death, coming three days before his 91st birthday, as particularly poignant, saying it underscored the enduring impact of a life devoted to public service.

“His passing is particularly poignant coming just three days before his 91st birthday. It reminds us once again that while political offices are temporary, the impact of a life spent in the service of society can endure across generations,” he said.

Adebayo noted that although Tukur operated at different times and within political formations different from his own, his death should transcend partisan considerations.

“Today is not a day for partisan politics. It is a day to honour a Nigerian elder who gave a significant portion of his life to public service and the development of our nation,” he said.

The SDP candidate said political differences should not obscure the contributions of those who had served the country before the present generation.

“We may belong to different political traditions and hold different views about the direction Nigeria should take, but we must never lose sight of the humanity and service of those who came before us,” Adebayo said.

He commiserated with the Tukur family, the people of Adamawa State and Nigerians across the country, praying that Almighty Allah forgive the deceased’s shortcomings and grant him eternal rest.

“May Almighty Allah grant Alhaji Bamanga Tukur Aljannatul Firdaus, and may He give his family, associates and the people of Adamawa the strength to bear this irreparable loss.

“May the memory of his years of service continue to inspire those entrusted with the responsibility of building a better Nigeria,” he said.