ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 20, 2026 — Nigeria’s former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Hajiya Safiya Ali Rufai, a respected member of the El‑Rufai family and wife of the late Air Vice Marshal Ali Rufai, elder brother of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El‑Rufai.
In his condolence message, Atiku described the deceased, fondly known as Aunty Safiya, as a compassionate matriarch whose legacy of kindness and care will be remembered. He prayed that Almighty Allah grant her forgiveness, comfort her loved ones, and admit her into Jannah Firdaus.
Atiku also lamented that her passing occurred while Nasir El‑Rufai remains in detention amid ongoing investigations by the Nigerian government. He criticized what he called the “political detention” of the former governor, noting that the timing of the loss adds to the family’s grief.
“The death of Aunty Safiya is a painful reminder of the fragility of life. It is unfortunate that this loss coincides with the period during which the former Governor of Kaduna State and a key figure of the ADC is being politically detained by the Tinubu‑led APC administration,” Atiku said.
The former Vice President extended his condolences to the El‑Rufai family, urging them to find strength in faith and unity during this difficult time.
