Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party Peter Obi has expressed condolences to former Kaduna State governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai on the death of his mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai.
In a statement issued Friday night, Obi stated, “I have just received the tragic news that my brother Mallam Nasir El-Rufai’s mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, has died in Cairo, Egypt, where she was undergoing treatment.
“This is indeed a somber moment for the El-Rufai family, as Mama’s passing marks the close of a significant chapter in their matriarchal lineage.
“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.”
Hajiya Umma El-Rufai passed away on Friday in Cairo, Egypt, after a period of illness. She was reportedly about 100 years old.
Following her death, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission granted El-Rufai temporary bail so that he may execute his late mother’s funeral rites.
Bashir, El-Rufai’s son, verified his father’s release in a tweet on his X (formerly Twitter) on Friday night.
Her death was revealed earlier by her grandson, Bello El-Rufai, in a Facebook post in which he expressed thanks for her life and requested prayers for her soul.
Meanwhile, prominent Nigerians, including President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, have paid respect to the late matriarch.
Her death came one week after the death of her daughter-in-law, Safiya Ali Rufai.
