Group Lauds Tinubu’s Empathy Over El-Rufai Mother’s Death

The North-West chapter of the Northern Youth Frontier has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his empathy and statesmanship following the death of Hajiya Ummah El-Rufai, mother of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

In a statement issued by its its coordinator, Saminu Turaki, the group extended heartfelt condolences to the El-Rufai family over the passing of the matriarch, on March 27, 2026, in Cairo, Egypt. Her funeral, held in Abuja on March 29, was described as a solemn moment that drew national reflection and unity.

Turaki said, “The group noted that President Tinubu’s response to the loss demonstrated compassion and leadership, emphasising that such gestures reinforce national cohesion in times of grief.

“Hajiya Ummah El-Rufai was not only a mother but a beacon of strength and virtue, whose life was characterized by her unwavering commitment to her family and community. Her legacy will undoubtedly resonate within the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to cross paths with her.

“In this somber time, the response from President Tinubu and the Federal Government embodies the spirit of unity and compassion that is essential in our diverse nation.

“The temporary release of Malam Nasir El-Rufai, former Governor of Kaduna State, to attend his mother’s funeral rites is a testament to the humane considerations that should transcend political affiliations.

“The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) acted with a rare sense of justice and compassion, allowing El-Rufai to honor his mother’s memory in her final moments. This act not only speaks to the individual’s rights but also highlights the importance of familial bonds, which should be respected, especially during times of grief.

“Furthermore, we acknowledge the visit of Vice President Kashim Shettima to the El-Rufai residence to offer condolences. His words, describing Hajiya Ummah as ‘a woman of great virtue and a pillar of strength,’ resonate deeply within our collective conscience. Such sentiments reflect the shared values that bind us as Nigerians, transcending political divides and fostering a spirit of solidarity in the face of loss.

“The presence of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, who expressed profound sorrow and shared personal memories of Hajiya Ummah as a caring maternal figure, further underscores the impact she had on those around her. It is a reminder that even in times of political strife, the human experience of grief unites us all.

“The outpouring of support from members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during this mourning period exemplifies the importance of standing together, offering solace and strength to one another amidst adversity. The funeral period, while marked by sorrow, also provided a unique opportunity for political leaders across party lines to come together in a display of solidarity.”

The group also praised members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and other political actors who visited the family, stating that the show of solidarity helped ease tensions and reinforced shared humanity above political divides.

He added, “As the North-West chapter of the Northern Youth Frontier, we believe that President Tinubu’s compassionate response to this tragedy reflects the qualities of true leadership. It is a call for all Nigerians to embrace empathy and understanding, fostering a spirit of unity that is essential for the progress of our great nation.

“We encourage our leaders to continue to exemplify these virtues, recognizing that in moments of loss, our collective strength lies in our ability to support one another.

In conclusion, we extend our deepest condolences to the El-Rufai family and commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his rare display of empathy and compassion.

“Let this moment serve as a reminder of the importance of compassion in leadership and the need for unity in times of grief. May the soul of Hajiya Ummah El-Rufai rest in peace, and may her legacy of strength and virtue continue to inspire future generations.”