El-Rufai’s Estranged Allies, Others Close Ranks at Mother’s Final Funeral Rites

Atiku, Ribadu, Uba Sani, Obi, Tambuwal, Bago, Amaechi, Emir Sanusi, Pantami,  others present

Northern governors’ forum mourns, participates in burial event 

Emmanuel Addeh, Chuks Okocha in Abuja and Segun Awofadeji in Gombe 

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, yesterday laid his mother to rest amid an unusually broad gathering of political figures, as erstwhile rivals, allies and friends set aside differences to pay their last respects. 

The final funeral provided a rare moment of unity in Nigeria’s fractious political landscape, as his estranged associates, including the National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu and current Governor of Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, who have had a not-so-smooth relationship with El-Rufai in recent times, also present.

Aside from El-Rufai’s estranged allies, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar;  Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi; former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi as well as the Governor of Niger State, Umaru Bago and Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi were present during some of the events leading to the final burial. Earlier, President Bola Tinubu had sent in his condolence message.

A former Governor of Sokoto and current chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC),  Senator Aminu Tambuwal, was also present at the funeral prayers at the National Mosque in Abuja.

Their presence highlighted the cross-party significance of the occasion, drawing together figures who are often political adversaries. Earlier, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, had also visited the embattled politician to commiserate with him on his mother’s demise.

But finally, Hajiya Umma el-Rufai, was laid to rest in Abuja at the Gudu Cemetery following funeral prayers conducted in line with Islamic rites. THISDAY reports that the matriarch of the family died on Friday in Cairo, Egypt, where she had been receiving medical treatment.

In a dramatic turn of events, hours after her death, el-Rufai, who had been in detention for over a month for alleged graft, was released by federal authorities.

Before yesterday’s final burial, the family of el-Rufai had announced the arrival of the remains of the ex-governor’s mother in Abuja for burial. El-Rufai’s son and member representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Mohammed El-Rufai, confirmed the funeral arrangements in a statement posted on X. He stated that the deceased’s remains had arrived safely on Sunday morning in Abuja.

“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. as announced last night.

“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,” he wrote.

Hajiya Umma’s death came at a time when ell-Rufai was in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) following his arrest over allegations of corruption and money laundering.

He was arraigned before a Federal High Court in Kaduna on March 24 on a 10-count charge, with the case adjourned until March 31, 2026, for hearing of pending applications, including his bail request. He was, however, granted release from ICPC custody, reportedly to attend the burial rites and be with his family.

Also yesterday, THISDAY understood that a former Minister, Ali Pantami, may have played a role in brokering peace among the feuding associates.

The reconciliation took place at the National Mosque during the funeral prayer, where former minister Pantami intervened to mediate between the political leaders. Speaking at the event, Pantami urged both men to set aside their differences. “Your Excellency, forgive one another,” he said.

After a brief discussion with them, Pantami was said to have announced that peace had been restored. “They have forgiven each other,” he declared.

Uba Sani and el-Rufai, who once worked closely together in Kaduna, have been embroiled in a prolonged political dispute. The rift deepened after el-Rufai left his former political platform and moved across parties in recent times. Despite their differences, the burial brought together several political figures.

Meanwhile Gombe State Governor,  Inuwa Yahaya joined dignitaries, family members and mourners at the National Mosque Abuja for the Janazah (funeral) prayer for Umma el-Rufai.

Yahaya, who is also the Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF), expressed deep sorrow over the loss and commiserated with el-Rufai and the entire family.

According to a press release issued by Ismaila Misilli, Director-General (Press Affairs), Government House, Gombe, which was made available to journalists on Sunday, the governor described the demise of a mother as a profound and irreplaceable loss that leaves an enduring void in the hearts of her children and loved ones.

He paid glowing tribute to the late matriarch, noting that Hajiya Umma lived a life characterised by humility, compassion and strong moral values, having nurtured a family grounded in discipline and service. 

On behalf of the Government and people of Gombe State, as well as the Northern States Governors’ Forum, Yahaya extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, urging them to find solace in the exemplary life she lived and the positive legacy she left behind.