Hadiza El-Rufai Denies False Death Claims on Social Media
Hadiza Isma El-Rufai, the wife of former Kaduna State governor Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has publicly dismissed rumours circulating on social media alleging her death. In a post on her verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, March 23, 2026, she emphatically stated that she is alive and well, praying to God for a long life. The false claims originated from a Facebook post by Kiche TV Africa, which incorrectly linked her to a mourning period for Safiya Ali Rufai, the sister-in-law of the former governor.
Clarifying the Source of the Rumour
The misinformation stemmed from a recent social media update that included a picture of Hadiza with her husband, Nasir El-Rufai, and claimed that Safiya Ali Rufai had passed away on Friday, March 20, 2026, during Eid al-Fitr celebrations. Hadiza responded directly on X, saying, "It’s not me o… Me? I’ll never die. God will make an exception in my case." This swift rebuttal aimed to quell the baseless speculation and reassure the public of her well-being.
Background on Hadiza El-Rufai
Hadiza El-Rufai is a Nigerian writer and the founder of the Yasmin El-Rufai Foundation (YELF), a non-profit literary organisation. She married Nasir El-Rufai in 1985 after meeting him in 1976 at the School of Basic Studies, Ahmadu Bello University. The couple has several children, including Bello El-Rufai, a member of the House of Representatives. In January 2026, Hadiza addressed personal matters on social media, clarifying that she never intended to be in a polygamous marriage, explaining that while raised in a monogamous home, her husband comes from a polygamous family.
Confirmation of Sister-in-Law's Death
Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that Safiya Ali Rufai, the wife of former Governor El-Rufai's late brother, Air Vice Marshall Ali Rufai, passed away on March 20, 2026, after a brief illness. Her death was announced by Bello El-Rufai, and family members described her as a disciplined and devoted woman who played a significant role in raising many within the family. Sources indicate that Mallam El-Rufai is mourning this loss, which occurred on the day of Eid al-Fitr celebrations.
Political Context and Family Dynamics
This incident highlights the intersection of personal life and public scrutiny for political families in Nigeria. Hadiza El-Rufai's response underscores the challenges of managing misinformation in the digital age. Additionally, the family's grief over Safiya's death adds a sombre note to ongoing political discussions, including reports that Nasir El-Rufai is focused on mobilising against President Tinubu's second-term agenda rather than contesting in the 2027 elections.
