Tributes have continued to pour in for former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El‑Rufai, following the death of his mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, who passed away in Cairo, Egypt, after a prolonged illness.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led political leaders across party lines in condoling with El-Rufai, describing the late matriarch as a remarkable woman whose life impacted family and society.
In a personally signed condolence message, Tinubu expressed deep sympathy with the former governor over the loss.
“Nasir, please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of your beloved mother, Hajiya Umma, which happened today in Cairo. As someone who had also lost an old mother, I share in your grief. I understand the depth of your loss.”
The President acknowledged the pain associated with losing a mother, noting that such a loss is difficult to bear.
“Losing a mother is a pain unlike any other. I know that no words can fully ease your sorrow, but I pray that the memories of her love, wisdom, and guidance bring you comfort in the days ahead. I also hope you find strength in the remarkable life she lived and the values she instilled in the entire family.”
Tinubu further prayed for the repose of her soul.
“As firm believers in Allah, we are convinced that she has played her part in this world as laid out for her by the Almighty and has gone back to her maker. I join family, friends, and well-wishers in mourning with you. May Allah grant your dear mother Aljannah Firdaus.”
Atiku, Obi Join in Mourning
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also expressed shock over the development, describing the late Hajiya Umma as a woman of dignity and strong faith.
“Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. The news of the demise of Hajia Umma El-Rufai is a shocking development. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the El-Rufai family and friends and pray that Allah (SWT) accepts her soul and grant her Al-Janna Firdaus.”
He added that her passing on a Friday offered some consolation to the family.
“Hajia Umma lived to a prime old age in dignity and service to family and community. She was a woman of sound faith and her passing on the day of Jumu’ah is a source of consolation to the family. It is my prayer that Allah comforts the family and ease their grief.”
Similarly, former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, described the loss as a difficult moment for the family.
“I have just received the sad news of the passing of the mother of my brother, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, in Cairo, Egypt, where she had been receiving treatment. This is indeed a sombre moment for the El-Rufai family, as Mama’s passing marks the close of a significant chapter in their matriarchal lineage.”
Obi noted that the death of a mother is always a painful turning point.
“The loss of a mother is a profound turning point in anyone’s life, regardless of status or position. My deepest sympathies go to Mallam Nasir El-Rufai and the entire family. May her soul rest in Aljannatul Firdaus.”
*Malami, Fani-Kayode, ADC React*
Former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, also conveyed condolences to the former Kaduna governor.
“I received with deep sadness the news of the passing of your beloved mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai. On behalf of myself and my family, I extend my heartfelt condolences to you and the entire El-Rufai family over this profound loss.”
He added:
“The death of a mother is an irreplaceable loss, and I pray that Almighty Allah grants her Aljannatul Firdaus and gives you the strength and fortitude to bear this sad loss. In this moment of grief and in the face of your current challenges, please be assured of my prayers, solidarity and unwavering support.”
Former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani‑Kayode, also expressed sympathy, describing the loss as deeply painful.
“On behalf of my wife, children and entire family I extend my sincere commiserations and deepest condolences to my old friend and brother… on the passing of their beloved mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai. The pain that goes with losing a mother is indescribable and I can testify to that.”
He prayed for strength for the grieving family, adding, “May the soul of Hajiya Umma rest in peace.”
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) also joined in mourning through its spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi.
“We are saddened to hear of the passing of the mother of one of our leaders, Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai. We condole with the family, especially at this difficult time. May the Almighty Allah grant her Aljanna and forgive her of her shortcomings.”
The late Hajiya Umma El-Rufai died in Cairo, Egypt, where she had been receiving medical treatment. Her death has drawn condolences from political leaders and associates across party lines, reflecting her influence and the respect commanded by her family in Nigeria’s political landscape.