The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, on Saturday paid a condolence visit to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, following the death of his mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai.
Yilwatda visited El-Rufai at his residence in Abuja, where family members, friends, and political associates have continued to gather since news of the death broke on Friday, March 27, 2026. The late matriarch died in Cairo, Egypt, after a period of illness.
During the visit, the APC chairman expressed sympathy to the former governor and his family, praying for the peaceful repose of the deceased and strength for those she left behind. His visit is part of a growing list of high-profile condolence calls that have turned El-Rufai’s Abuja home into a centre of political activity over the past two days.
The death of Hajiya Umma El-Rufai has drawn attention not only because of her son’s political standing but also due to the wide network of relationships he built during his years in public service. El-Rufai served as Governor of Kaduna State for two terms and was also a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, making him one of the most prominent figures in Nigeria’s political space.
Since the announcement of his mother’s passing, several top politicians from across party lines have visited to pay their respects. Among them is the Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Umar Radda, who joined others in offering prayers and words of comfort.
Also present was former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, whose visit highlighted the cross-party nature of the condolence gathering. Atiku, a leading figure in Nigeria’s opposition politics, was seen interacting with members of the family and other guests.
Former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, also paid a visit. Amaechi is known to have maintained a long-standing political relationship with El-Rufai, and his presence further underscored the strong ties among key political actors in the country.
Another notable figure at the residence was former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami. He joined other dignitaries in offering condolences and prayers for the family.
Former Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, was also among those who visited. Tambuwal, like many others, kept his remarks brief, focusing on prayers and support for the bereaved family.
The steady flow of visitors reflects the deep influence El-Rufai has in Nigerian politics. Analysts say such moments often bring together leaders across political divides, as condolence visits are seen as a mark of respect and solidarity.
Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, though not a public figure, was described by those close to the family as a woman of strong character who played a key role in raising her children. Friends and associates say she lived a quiet life but was highly respected within her community and family circle.
Her passing in Cairo also highlights a wider issue that has continued to generate debate in Nigeria—the reliance on foreign medical care by many citizens, especially among the political class. Over the years, concerns have been raised about the state of the country’s healthcare system, with calls for greater investment to improve local facilities.
Meanwhile, the condolence visits are coming at a time when El-Rufai is also in the public eye due to ongoing issues involving the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The former governor was recently granted temporary release from custody to enable him attend his mother’s burial.
While the matter has attracted public discussion, many of the visitors have focused strictly on the condolence aspect of their visit, avoiding political statements and instead offering prayers and support.
As preparations for the burial continue, more visitors are expected in the coming days. Security around the residence has also been increased to manage the large number of guests arriving to pay their respects.