Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has mourned the death of former national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, describing the late politician and businessman as a patriot and “colossus” whose life was marked by public service and commitment to Nigeria’s development.

The late people democratic party chairman Alhaji Bamanga Tukur died aged 91.

Obasanjo, in a tribute titled “Tribute to a Colossus of Public Service and Industrial Development: Alhaji Bamanga Tukur”, said he received the news of Tukur’s death with “profound sense of loss and deep reflection”.

The former president described Tukur as a long-time associate, compatriot, and elder statesman who, throughout his career, demonstrated “unwavering commitment” to national development.

“Bamanga’s life was a testament to patriotism, unwavering commitment, and stellar public service,” Obasanjo said in the statement made available to journalists on Sunday in Abeokuta, Ogun State, by his special assistant on media, Kehinde Akinyemi.

He said Tukur’s career spanned governance, international business, and political leadership, adding that the late statesman consistently demonstrated a strong sense of duty.

Obasanjo highlighted Tukur’s tenure at the Nigerian Ports Authority, his service as civilian governor of the defunct Gongola State and his subsequent appointment as minister of industries as some of the defining stages of his public career.

“From his transformative years steering the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to his tenure as the civilian Governor of the defunct Gongola State and later as Minister of Industries, his focus remained fixed on national productivity and progress,” he said.

The former president also recalled working with Tukur during Nigeria’s democratic transition and subsequent political developments, particularly during his tenure as national chairman of the PDP.

Obasanjo acknowledged that their political engagements were sometimes marked by disagreements over the direction of the party and the country but said he never questioned Tukur’s commitment to Nigeria.

“While politics often brought robust debates and differing perspectives on the direction of our party and nation, I never for once doubted his foundational love for Nigeria,” he said.

He described Tukur as an “institutional pillar” that remained steadfast during periods of political turbulence.

Beyond Nigerian politics, Obasanjo praised Tukur’s contribution to African economic development through his leadership of the African Business Roundtable, saying the organisation reflected his commitment to economic independence and greater continental, integration.

“With his passing, Nigeria has lost a colossus and a bridge-builder. He has run his race, made his mark, and left an indelible footprint in the history of our republic,” Obasanjo said.

He extended his condolences to Tukur’s family, the government and people of Adamawa State, and his political associates across the country.

Obasanjo prayed that Allah would forgive Tukur’s shortcomings, grant him eternal rest in Al-Jannah Firdaus, and give his family and loved ones the strength to bear the loss.