Senate President Godswill Akpabio has described late former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, as a detribalised Nigerian and great patriot. Akpabio made these remarks during a condolence visit to Tukur's family in Abuja. He stated that Tukur's contributions to Nigeria transcended ethnic and political boundaries. According to Akpabio, Tukur left behind an enduring legacy of love, wisdom, and service to the nation.
Akpabio recalled his personal relationship with Tukur, noting that the late elder statesman had chaired an event he attended in London in 2009. The Senate President expressed regret that Tukur was no longer alive to continue sharing his wealth of experience and wisdom. He stressed that Tukur's contributions to national development would remain memorable. Akpabio's condolence visit was announced through a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom.
The late Alhaji Bamanga Tukur died at the age of 90 on Saturday, September 12, 2026. Akpabio urged Tukur's children to continue in their father's footsteps and uphold the values for which he was known. The Senate President disclosed that the National Assembly would honour Tukur on the floor of the Senate when it resumes from its current recess. This is expected to be a fitting tribute to the late elder statesman's remarkable life and service.
Responding on behalf of the family, one of Tukur's sons, Mahmoud Tukur, thanked Akpabio, his wife, Mrs Unoma Akpabio, and members of his entourage for the condolence visit. Mahmoud also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and Nigerians for honouring and remembering his father. The family's appreciation comes as a result of the widespread recognition of Tukur's contributions to Nigeria's political landscape.
In a separate development, Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, paid a condolence visit to the family of former Kogi governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris. During her visit, Akpoti-Uduaghan described Idris' death as a significant loss to his family, Kogi State, the PDP, and Nigeria. She acknowledged Idris' years of public service and contributions to the political history of Kogi State.
Akpoti-Uduaghan's condolence visit to Idris' family came as a gesture of solidarity and recognition of the late governor's impact on the region. Her remarks underscored the importance of honouring the memories of prominent figures like Idris, who have made lasting impacts on their communities. The Senator's visit also demonstrated the PDP's continued commitment to acknowledging and celebrating its members' achievements.
The condolence visits by Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan reflect the widespread recognition of the late leaders' contributions to Nigeria's development. Both Tukur and Idris left behind legacies that will continue to inspire future generations of politicians and Nigerians. Their memories will be cherished as examples of dedicated public service and patriotism.
Key points
- Akpabio describes Tukur as a detribalised Nigerian and great patriot
- The National Assembly to honour Tukur on the floor of the Senate
- Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan pays condolence visit to Idris' family
