Nigerians React as El-Rufai Shares Photos of Himself Attending a Funeral Mass in a Church in Anambra
Former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, stirred nationwide reactions on Tuesday after posting photographs of himself at a Catholic funeral mass held in Okija, Anambra State. The event, which was the final rites for the late Chief Mathias Chidi Anohu, a prominent Igbo figure, quickly spiraled into a political discussion on Nigerian social media as citizens debated the intentions behind El-Rufai’s presence in a Catholic church in the South-East.
For some, the gesture was commendable—a statesman paying respect to a departed elder regardless of regional or religious divides. For others, it reeked of calculated political optics as Nigeria inches toward the 2027 general election. With El-Rufai’s recent political rebranding—his defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP)—many observers believe the former governor is positioning himself as a national figure beyond his Northern Muslim identity.
This article explores the reactions of Nigerians, the symbolism of El-Rufai’s appearance in a Catholic church, his political history, the ethnic and religious undertones in Nigerian politics, and what this could mean for the future.
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The former governor posted the photos on his official handle on X (formerly Twitter), captioning them:
“We joined the Anohu family at the funeral mass held this morning in Okija for Chief Mathias Chidi Anohu. May his kind soul rest in peace.”
The post featured images of El-Rufai seated inside a Catholic church, modestly dressed, flanked by South-East dignitaries and Catholic priests. His calm demeanor, folded hands, and visible participation in the Mass were what immediately caught attention.
It did not take long before his name began trending on X. Thousands of Nigerians weighed in—some praising the cross-regional camaraderie, others casting doubt on his motives.
Some Nigerians saw the gesture as commendable, a mark of political maturity. A user, @OkaforJustice, tweeted:
“Say what you will, El-Rufai is one of the few Northern politicians who consistently engages the South. From his days in FCT to this funeral—he understands Nigeria is bigger than one region.”
Another wrote:
“We need more leaders who attend each other’s weddings, burials, birthdays, and community functions across regions. It’s not about politics; it’s about healing the soul of this country.”
To these voices, El-Rufai’s appearance was an act of national unity—a bold reminder that religion and ethnicity should not divide us.
But not everyone was convinced. Many questioned the sudden religious tolerance displayed by a man they allege has a history of controversial utterances and policies in Kaduna. Critics pointed to El-Rufai’s tenure as governor, during which Christian communities in Southern Kaduna frequently accused his administration of neglect and bias.
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@AdaezeWrites fired a thread that went viral:
“We remember the demolitions of churches in Kaduna, the silence during Southern Kaduna massacres, and his infamous ‘body bag’ comment. Now he’s in a Catholic mass in Okija? El-Rufai is not fooling anyone.”
Another, @ZubairJr, posted:
“Baba is now Catholic when it’s time for campaign. We see you. Nigerians are not blind. 2027 loading.”
A satirical meme also circulated, showing El-Rufai in papal regalia with the caption: “From Governor to Bishop – El-Rufai 2027 Mission Begins.”
In a country where politics is deeply intertwined with ethnicity and religion, every move by a politician is often scrutinized through those lenses. El-Rufai is a Muslim Fulani from Northern Nigeria—his presence at a Catholic church in a predominantly Igbo Christian community inevitably set off ethnic-religious interpretations.
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Some Catholics expressed surprise but welcomed the presence:
“We don’t see many Muslim Northern leaders coming to Catholic churches in the East. It’s a good gesture. Even if it’s political, it sends a powerful signal of inclusivity,” said a user from Nnewi.
However, others in the South-East were not as generous:
“We haven’t forgotten how Christian leaders were treated in Kaduna. Forgiveness is one thing, but we won’t be used for political validation,” said a local youth leader in Ihiala.
The late Chief Mathias Chidi Anohu was a revered community leader in Okija, and a member of the influential Anohu family, known for their business ventures, community service, and links to the political elite. His funeral drew high-profile attendees across Nigeria—former governors, serving legislators, business moguls, and church leaders.
Insiders say El-Rufai had long-standing ties with one of the Anohus during his days in the private sector and FCT administration. Some believe his attendance was based on personal friendship rather than political opportunism. Yet, in politics, perception often trumps intent.
El-Rufai’s recent political moves are difficult to ignore. After years as a loyal APC stalwart, he publicly distanced himself from the Tinubu administration earlier this year. In March 2025, he made headlines when he defected to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), fueling speculation about a possible presidential bid in 2027.
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At a time when many Nigerians are disillusioned with the major political parties, El-Rufai appears to be positioning himself as a disruptor. Some believe his new strategy involves building national appeal beyond his Northern base—particularly in the South-East and South-South, where APC is generally viewed with suspicion.
A source close to his new political team told this reporter:
“Mallam is rebranding. He knows the future belongs to politicians who can cross ethnic and religious boundaries. What you see in Okija is just the beginning.”
El-Rufai’s move recalls earlier efforts by Nigerian politicians to soften their image before major elections. In 1999, Olusegun Obasanjo visited churches across the country despite his Baptist roots. Goodluck Jonathan regularly attended mosque services in the North as president. Even President Buhari, once perceived as rigidly sectarian, made attempts at religious and regional outreach in his second term.
But the success of such efforts often depends on the depth of sincerity and track record. Critics argue that no amount of photo ops can erase perceived injustices or selective silence during periods of national crisis.
Local media outlets in Anambra gave the visit subdued coverage, focusing more on the funeral than the visitor. However, one local newspaper noted in an editorial:
“It is not everyday you find a former Northern governor at a Catholic mass in Okija. Nigeria’s unity may yet find hope in small gestures like this.”
The presiding priest at the Mass, Rev. Fr. Dominic Okonkwo, reportedly acknowledged El-Rufai’s presence and used the opportunity to preach tolerance.
“We are all God’s children, regardless of where we come from. Let today be a reminder that in death, all things become equal,” he said.
Political analyst Uche Akinyemi, speaking to this publication, described El-Rufai’s action as “a chess move.”
“It ticks all the boxes—religious harmony, cross-regional presence, subtle campaigning. Whether or not it translates into votes is another matter entirely. But make no mistake, El-Rufai is testing the waters.”
Others believe the visit was personally motivated and not necessarily a strategic move.
“Sometimes a funeral is just a funeral,” said Prof. Ngozi Ezeanya of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. “The Anohus are not lightweight. He may have had personal connections.”
As the political landscape begins to shift ahead of 2027, figures like El-Rufai will continue to dominate the conversation. His recent moves—including private visits to South-West clerics, speeches on restructuring, and now the Okija appearance—suggest a broader ambition.
Whether Nigerians will reward him with trust after years of controversial leadership in Kaduna remains to be seen.
Nasir El-Rufai’s attendance at a Catholic funeral mass in Anambra may seem like a minor event, but in Nigeria’s emotionally charged political climate, such gestures are rarely innocent. They carry weight, provoke memories, and ignite debate.
For some, it’s a hopeful sign of the nation slowly coming together. For others, it’s yet another example of performative politics aimed at fooling the electorate. As Nigeria approaches yet another pivotal election, one thing is certain: every handshake, church visit, and funeral appearance will be scrutinized under the lens of ambition.
And Nigerians, ever vigilant, will have the final say.
