Halima Nwakaego, the ex-wife of Bashir El-Rufai, has revealed that she anticipated the end of her marriage before it even began. In a candid Substack post, she shared her journey through divorce, single parenting, business ventures, and a new love that ended in heartbreak, while also discussing her attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Halima's Marriage to Bashir El-Rufai and Its End
Halima, the daughter of former Senator from Jigawa State, Ibrahim Kazaure, married Bashir El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna state governor Nasir El-Rufai, in 2020. The couple welcomed a set of twin boys the following year. Bashir announced the end of the marriage, citing "Gen Z wahala," and later issued a public apology for the manner in which he made the announcement.
In a post published on her Substack titled "Memoirs of a Single Nigerian Twin Mum with ADHD" on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, Halima revealed that her marriage ended in July 2024, when their sons were two years old. She admitted she never had much faith in marriage and knew hers would end before it began because she grew up believing men are safe places. "Imagine entering a marriage already preparing for its funeral," she wrote.
Life After Divorce: New Love and Heartbreak
Halima shared that she fell in love with another man months after the divorce, but it ended in heartbreak. "There is a saying that men will stain your white," she wrote. She compared her love for white clothing, despite constant stains, to her deep faith in love alongside her skepticism of men. "For someone with so little faith in men, I have a ridiculous amount of faith in love," she added.
Single Parenting and ADHD Journey
In her Substack post, Halima also opened up about the challenges of single parenting while managing her ADHD. She detailed her business ventures and how she is navigating life after divorce, emphasizing the resilience required to raise her twin boys alone. The post provides a raw look into her experiences, blending personal struggles with reflections on love and trust.
Halima's story highlights the complexities of modern relationships and the emotional toll of divorce, particularly for young mothers. Her candidness about ADHD and single parenting offers a rare glimpse into the realities of life after a high-profile marriage ends.
