Political Rivals Unite as El-Rufai Buries Mother in Abuja

​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.

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​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.

​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.