Yavuz Efendioglu was known for his efforts to protect the unity and unitarian structure of Iraq.
The incident was met with reactions among Iraqi Turkmen, and condemnation from Turkey.
According to Turkmen officials, unidentified men arrived at Efendioglu's house Sunday night and asked his son that they wanted to see his father and shot him dead when he answered the door. The attackers fled the scene immediately.
Efendioglu, who had been an executive member of the Iraqi Turkmen Front (ITF) for 4 years, devoted himself to protect unity and unitarian structure of Iraq.
Efendioglu was considered to run for parliamentary elections in Iraq to be held soon.
Iraqi Turkmen community has condemned the attack, and demanded the government to find the attackers.
Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has phoned Iraqi Turkmen leaders and extended his condolences.
Meanwhile, a child and four other people were killed when a hand grenade attack targeted patrolling security forces at a market in Iraq.
Also, American officials said that an American soldier was also killed during an operation, but did not mention his identity and the place of operation.
Agencies said that violent incidents are feared to increase before the parliamentary elections which will be held in the country in January.