Former Minister of Aviation and APC chieftain, Femi Fani-Kayode, has issued a sharp rebuttal to claims that the recent gathering of political leaders at the residence of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai signifies a shift in Nigeria's political "calculus." In a series of statements released via his official X handle on Sunday, March 29, 2026, Fani-Kayode condemned attempts to interpret a funeral gathering through a partisan lens, describing such analyses as a violation of basic human decency.
The reaction comes in direct response to assertions made by veteran journalist Dele Momodu, who suggested that the passage of El-Rufai’s mother had forced a "sudden reconfiguration" of political gladiators. Fani-Kayode dismissed these notions, insisting that the cross-party attendance at the funeral was a display of shared humanity rather than a strategic realignment.
"One thing we must NEVER do is play politics with death," Fani-Kayode stated. "No 'calculus' has changed and there ought to be no triumphant celebration over such grave matters. This tragic event is beyond politics and the gathering and support of all those that expressed their condolences and/or attended the funeral and prayers reflects their collective humanity which comes before anything else,” he added.
Fani-Kayode praised the conduct of the political class during the mourning period, noting that the presence of individuals from across the political divide served as a testimony to national maturity. He argued that the event should be viewed as a civilised response to a personal tragedy involving the "mother of an old friend," rather than a political summit.
"Compassion was displayed, restraint was shown, decency was enthroned, maturity was exhibited and respect was extended by all and sundry," Fani-Kayode observed. "It has nothing to do with politics or political calculations. It has nothing to do with the triumph of one or the defeat of another. It has everything to do with being a human being and not a monster,” he added.
The former minister emphasized that the unity shown in the face of adversity should be respected and not exploited for narrative-building. He cautioned analysts and the public against injecting partisan motives into what he characterized as a purely somber and humane occasion. "This display of unity when faced with adversity serves us well. We must NOT bring politics into it," Fani-Kayode concluded.
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