The Federal Capital Territory became a rare hub of political convergence on Sunday as heavyweights from across Nigeria’s ideological divide gathered for the burial of Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, mother of former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai.
Hajiya Umma passed away on Friday, March 27, in Cairo, Egypt, following a brief illness. Her remains were flown back to Nigeria and interred at the Gudu Cemetery in Abuja, strictly following Islamic rites.
A Rare Show of Solidarity
The funeral turned into a “who’s who” of Nigerian politics, momentarily pausing partisan friction. Among the prominent figures leading the mourners were:
- Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate.
- Rotimi Amaechi, former Minister of Transportation.
- Aminu Tambuwal, former Governor of Sokoto State.
The presence of these figures, alongside APC stalwarts and opposition leaders, underscored the significant national influence maintained by the El-Rufai family. The Janazah (funeral prayer) saw a massive turnout of traditional rulers, government officials, and sympathizers who offered prayers for the repose of the deceased’s soul.
Condolences from the Presidency
The burial followed a wave of high-level condolences. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu had earlier sent formal messages of sympathy to the former governor.
Furthermore, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar were among those who paid personal condolence visits to El-Rufai’s Abuja residence.
A Matriarch’s Legacy
Hajiya Umma had been residing in Cairo with her son prior to her passing. She is remembered by family and associates as a “strong pillar of support” and a devoted matriarch whose influence shaped the former governor’s career. Her passing comes at a poignant time for Malam Nasir El-Rufai, who has recently been navigating a series of legal and political challenges.
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As the rites concluded at Gudu Cemetery, the prevailing sentiment was one of shared grief, as political foes stood shoulder-to-shoulder to honor the memory of a woman described as a guiding light for her household.