Bashir el-Rufai, son of the former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai, has officially announced the end of his marriage to his first wife, Halima Nwakaego Kazaure, revealing that he is already preparing to remarry.
The announcement broke on Friday, May 29, 2026, on X (formerly Twitter) during a casual interaction where followers questioned Bashir’s marital status after he publicly complimented another female user. Responding to the inquiries, Bashir confirmed his divorce from Halima, whom he wedded in a heavily attended Abuja ceremony in November 2020.
In a series of candid follow-up posts, Bashir revealed his new bride-to-be hails from the Nupe ethnic group in Bida, Niger State. He cited age and behavioral differences as the primary catalysts behind his initial marital breakdown, adding that he deliberately chose to step away from modern relationship complexities.
“Yes, she’s from Bida, and yes, I divorced my first wife,” Bashir posted. “The difference is clear, I had no clue Nupe women treat their husbands like emperors. Loving it.”
Defending his personal approach to romance, Bashir debunked courtship rumors by claiming he has never actively pursued women, stating his partners always take the lead. He revealed that his first wife, Nwakaego, was actually the one who proposed to him years ago. He expressed immense optimism about his new life direction, noting he hopes to welcome a daughter later this year.
The public disclosure has set northern digital spaces and “Naija Twitter” ablaze. While some users validate his right to exit an incompatible union, critics have strongly pushed back, labeling his public comparisons between his ex-wife and his new partner as unnecessary and insensitive.
