Political Leaders Across Party Lines Visit Nasir El-Rufai in Abuja Following Mother’s Death
Abuja, March 28, 2026 — Leading Nigerian political figures from across party lines converged at the Abuja residence of Nasir El-Rufai on Saturday to sympathize with him over the passing of his mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai.
PulseNets learnt that Hajiya Umma El-Rufai died on Friday, March 27, 2026, in Cairo, where she had been undergoing treatment for age-related ailments. The announcement was made by her grandson, Hon. Bello El-Rufai, through a social media post which read: “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un… I would like to inform the public of the demise of my Grandmother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, who passed away a few hours ago.”
The development comes amid ongoing legal scrutiny involving El-Rufai, who PulseNets reported had been in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission over alleged corruption-related matters. He was, however, granted temporary release on compassionate grounds late Friday to allow him participate in funeral rites and receive sympathizers.
High-Level Condolence Visits
PulseNets observed that Saturday witnessed a continuous flow of high-profile visitors to El-Rufai’s residence, underscoring a rare display of political unity during a period of national tension.
Among those who paid condolence visits were:
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Atiku Abubakar, who led a delegation and spent time with the grieving family
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Rotimi Amaechi, who offered personal condolences and was seen interacting warmly with El-Rufai in a widely shared video
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Abubakar Malami
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Aminu Tambuwal
Other political stakeholders across party divides also visited to pay their respects.
Images and video clips circulating online showed El-Rufai receiving guests calmly despite the weight of his loss.
Condolence Messages from National Figures
Several national leaders who could not attend in person issued public condolence messages.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stated: “Nasir, please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of your beloved mother, Hajiya Umma, which happened today in Cairo.” He described the loss as deeply painful and prayed for the repose of her soul.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani described the deceased as “a woman of rare grace, moral clarity, and quiet strength,” noting that her life reflected compassion, humility, and service. He conveyed sympathies on behalf of the people and government of Kaduna State.
National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu also extended condolences, expressing sadness over the passing of the family matriarch.
Political Unity Amid Personal Loss
The condolence visits and messages have drawn attention for cutting across political alignments. El-Rufai, a prominent figure within the All Progressives Congress, received support from both ruling party allies and opposition figures, reflecting a momentary pause in political rivalry.
PulseNets gathered that Islamic funeral rites were conducted shortly after her passing, with the family requesting prayers for her soul to attain Aljannah Firdaus.
Also Read: N1bn Suit: ICPC Submits Detailed List of Seized Documents, Devices from El-Rufai’s Asokoro Residence
Sources who spoke to PulseNets indicated that El-Rufai is expected to return to ICPC custody after the mourning period, in line with the conditions attached to his temporary release.
The situation continues to generate public discourse, particularly regarding the balance between legal processes and humanitarian considerations.
May Allah grant Hajiya Umma El-Rufai eternal rest and grant her family strength in this period of grief.
