Yar’Adua’s Son Ibrahim Marries Third Wife

January 19, 2026

Ibrahim Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, son of Nigeria’s late former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, has reportedly taken a third wife, drawing public attention to the growing family of the respected political lineage.

The latest development comes two years after Ibrahim married his second wife, Amira Babandede, daughter of former Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Muhammad Babandede.

According to sources close to the family, Ibrahim recently tied the knot with his third wife, identified as Faiza, in a private Islamic marriage ceremony attended by close relatives, friends and associates.

While details of the wedding were kept away from public glare, the news has generated widespread reactions across social media, with many Nigerians expressing surprise while others extended goodwill messages to the family.

Ibrahim, who has largely maintained a low public profile despite his prominent background, is the son of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, who served as Nigeria’s leader from 2007 until his death in 2010.

The Yar’Adua family is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most respected political families, known for its influence, discipline and long-standing involvement in public service.

Ibrahim first got married in 2018 to Saratu Sodangi, a lawyer by profession. Their union was celebrated at the time as a quiet but dignified ceremony that reflected the modest lifestyle for which the late president was known.

Four years later, in 2022, Ibrahim expanded his family after marrying Amira Babandede as his second wife. Amira is the daughter of Muhammad Babandede, who served as Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service from 2016 to 2021.

That marriage attracted significant public interest due to the prominence of both families and the strong ties between politics and public service.

Now, two years after that union, Ibrahim has once again entered matrimony by taking Faiza as his third wife.

Although little information has been made public about Faiza, sources say the marriage was conducted in line with Islamic traditions and customs, with prayers offered for peace, unity and stability within the household.

Polygamy, which is permissible under Islamic law, remains a culturally accepted practice in many parts of northern Nigeria, particularly among families with strong religious foundations.

The Yar’Adua family, originally from Katsina State, is deeply rooted in Islamic values, and observers note that the marriages align with long-standing religious and cultural practices.

Public reactions to the news have been mixed. While some social media users expressed surprise at the rapid expansion of Ibrahim’s family, others defended his decision, emphasizing that it is lawful within his faith.

Several commentators praised the private nature of the ceremonies, noting that unlike many high-profile weddings, the events were conducted without excessive publicity or extravagance.

Others highlighted the contrast between the public status of the Yar’Adua name and the family’s consistent preference for modest living.

The late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua was widely respected for his humility, integrity and quiet leadership style. During his time in office, he maintained a reputation for avoiding unnecessary luxury, a value many believe continues within his family.

Despite being the son of a former Nigerian president, Ibrahim has avoided political office and rarely appears in the media, choosing instead to live a largely private life.

Analysts say his decision to stay away from partisan politics has helped shield him from public controversy, even as interest in his personal life occasionally surfaces.

The marriages have once again brought attention to the enduring influence of political families in Nigeria and how their private decisions often attract national interest.

Experts note that public fascination with the families of former leaders reflects Nigeria’s deep connection to its political history, particularly figures like Yar’Adua, whose presidency remains memorable for his emphasis on rule of law and democratic reforms.

Since his passing in 2010, the Yar’Adua legacy has continued through foundations, educational support programmes and charitable initiatives carried out in his memory.

While Ibrahim has not issued an official statement regarding his third marriage, family insiders describe the union as peaceful and blessed.

Religious leaders have reportedly offered prayers for harmony among the wives and for the household to be guided by understanding and mutual respect.

As the news continues to circulate, many Nigerians have extended congratulations to Ibrahim, wishing him wisdom in managing family responsibilities.

Others have used the moment to reflect on changing societal conversations around marriage, responsibility and leadership within influential families.

For now, the Yar’Adua family remains silent on the matter, maintaining its tradition of privacy.

With three wives — Saratu Sodangi, Amira Babandede and Faiza — Ibrahim Umaru Musa Yar’Adua enters a new chapter of family life, one shaped by faith, tradition and the legacy of one of Nigeria’s most respected former presidents.