Hajiya Dada, the revered mother of late Nigerian President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, has passed away in Katsina. Her death was confirmed by family sources on Monday evening, marking the end of an era for a woman whose influence shaped some of Nigeria’s most prominent political figures.
Hajiya Dada was not only the mother of the late President Yar’Adua, who led Nigeria from 2007 until his untimely death in 2010, but also a matriarch whose strong character and influence were deeply felt within her family and the wider political landscape. Her home in Katsina was a hub for political activities, drawing visits from key political figures, especially during election seasons.
As the wife and mother to political heavyweights, Hajiya Dada’s presence in Nigeria’s political arena was formidable. Her legacy extends beyond her immediate family, as three of her granddaughters are married to prominent politicians, further cementing her family’s influence in Nigerian politics.
During the 2023 general elections, her residence became a crucial stop for at least five presidential aspirants from the country’s major political parties, including Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, all seeking her blessing and endorsement.
Hajiya Dada’s passing marks the loss of a significant figure in Nigeria’s political history, a woman whose life and legacy will be remembered for her pivotal role in shaping the careers of some of the nation’s most influential leaders.
