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In 2016, then Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai paid a condolence visit to Shehu Sani following the death of the senator’s mother, despite an ongoing political disagreement between them.
The visit took place at Sani’s residence in Tudun Wada, Kaduna, where El-Rufai joined family members and associates to offer prayers and sympathies. The senator’s mother, Amina Abdullahi Sani, had died after a brief illness, prompting an outpouring of condolences from political figures and the public. 
What made the visit significant was the strained relationship between the two politicians at the time. Their rift had become public after the 2015 elections, with both men exchanging criticisms. However, El-Rufai set aside those differences during the condolence visit, a move widely seen as a gesture of respect and humanity beyond politics. 
The moment was interpreted by observers as an example of “politics without bitterness,” showing that personal loss can bridge even deep political divides. It also highlighted the importance of cultural and social norms in Nigeria, where showing sympathy during bereavement often transcends political conflicts.
