Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, yesterday laid his mother, Hajiya Umma el-Rufai, to rest in Abuja, in a funeral that brought together an unusually broad spectrum of political figures.
The event, which marked a rare moment of unity in Nigeria’s often fractious political landscape, saw erstwhile rivals, allies, and friends put aside differences to pay their final respects.
Among those present were National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu and the current Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, both of whom have had strained relationships with El-Rufai in recent times.
Their attendance underscored the cross-party significance of the occasion.
Other notable attendees included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, Governor of Niger State Umaru Bago, and Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi. Earlier, President Bola Tinubu had sent a condolence message.
A former Governor of Sokoto and current African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Senator Aminu Tambuwal, also joined the funeral prayers at the National Mosque in Abuja, highlighting the inclusive nature of the ceremony.
Nentawe Yilwatda, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), had visited El-Rufai prior to the burial to commiserate with the family.
Hajiya Umma el-Rufai, who passed away on Friday in Cairo, Egypt, where she had been receiving medical care, was finally laid to rest at Gudu Cemetery, following Islamic funeral rites.
In a dramatic turn, hours after her death, El-Rufai—who had been in detention for over a month by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over alleged corruption—was released to attend the burial.
The ex-governor’s son, Mohammed El-Rufai, who represents Kaduna North in the House of Representatives, confirmed the funeral arrangements on X, stating:
“This is to notify the general public that the remains of our grandmother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, have safely landed in Abuja.
”The Janazah Prayer is by 1 p.m. The prayers will take place at the National Mosque and she will be buried at Gudu Cemetery by the grace of God. May Allah SWT bless her soul and all those that passed away before her.”
During the funeral prayers, former Minister Ali Pantami reportedly played a key role in reconciling feuding associates, mediating between El-Rufai and Governor Uba Sani.
Pantami urged the leaders to set aside differences, declaring:“Your Excellency, forgive one another… They have forgiven each other.”
The reconciliation marked a significant moment, given the prolonged political dispute between El-Rufai and Uba Sani, which deepened after the former governor switched political platforms in recent years.
Gombe State Governor Inuwa Yahaya, also Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF), joined family members and dignitaries at the National Mosque for the Janazah prayer.
Yahaya expressed deep sorrow over the loss, praising Hajiya Umma for a life of humility, compassion, and moral integrity.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Gombe State, as well as the Northern States Governors’ Forum, we extend heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, urging them to find solace in the exemplary life she lived and the positive legacy she left behind,” he said.
