El-Rufai’s Mum: Showunmi Calls for Compassion in Politics

Convener of the Alternative movement, Otunba Segun Showunmi, has called for greater compassion and humanity in Nigeria’s political space following a condolence visit to former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over the death of his mother. Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, mother of Malam Nasiru El-Rufai, who died in Egypt was buried on Sunday at Gudu Cemetery […]

Convener of the Alternative movement, Otunba Segun Showunmi, has called for greater compassion and humanity in Nigeria’s political space following a condolence visit to former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over the death of his mother.

Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, mother of Malam Nasiru El-Rufai, who died in Egypt was buried on Sunday at Gudu Cemetery following funeral prayers conducted in line with Islamic rites.

In a statement titled “Grief, Power, and the Burden of Politics”, Showunmi said the visit revealed a deeply human side of the former governor.

“There are moments in public life when the noise of politics fades, and one is confronted with something far more fundamental—our shared humanity,” he said.

Describing the encounter, he added: “What stood before me was not the public figure many have come to debate, but a son in mourning. It was a sobering reminder that beneath the armour of politics, we remain human—vulnerable, burdened, and in need of grace.”

Showunmi noted that politics, while demanding resilience and ambition, must be balanced with empathy.

“Politics, by its very nature, is a hard trade. It demands resilience, clarity of purpose, and often an iron will. Yet, it also raises an uncomfortable question: how do we reconcile ambition with empathy?” he asked.

He also acknowledged the role of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in managing political tensions, describing his interventions as a mark of leadership.

“Leadership is not only tested in moments of triumph, but in the ability to temper conflict with humanity. The capacity to de-escalate tensions and remind all actors of their shared purpose becomes a mark of true statesmanship,” he said.

Reflecting on his longstanding relationship with El-Rufai, which dates back to his tenure as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Showunmi described him as disciplined and results-driven.

“He is, without question, a man of intense discipline—capable of long hours, meticulous in planning, and unyielding in the pursuit of agreed objectives,” he said.

On Nigeria’s political environment, Showunmi warned against undermining capable leaders due to rivalry and suspicion.

“Nigeria’s political arena has long struggled with a paradox: we demand competence and results, yet we are often quick to undermine those who demonstrate both,” he stated.

He also pointed to an evolving political landscape following the exit of former President Muhammadu Buhari from central political influence, particularly in the North.

“With figures like Muhammadu Buhari no longer occupying the central space they once did… a vacuum—both symbolic and strategic—is emerging,” he said.

Showunmi urged compassion over political division and offered prayers for the deceased.

“For now, however, it is not politics that should dominate our reflections, but compassion,” he said.