Hadiza Isma El-Rufai, the first wife of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, has revealed that she never planned to join a polygamous marriage.

In a social media post, she said growing up in a monogamous household, she never imagined her marriage would become polygamous, especially since the idea was never discussed before she got married.

She explained that while her husband was raised in a polygamous family, she entered the marriage hoping for a monogamous life. However, the marriage later became polygamous by her husband’s decision.

Despite the change, she said she chose to stay in the marriage and gradually came to accept the situation.

Hadiza shared her thoughts during a discussion that followed a lawyer’s announcement that he was taking a second wife.

She also noted that under Islamic law, a woman may leave a marriage without giving a reason, as long as she returns the dowry. She jokingly added that by the time her marriage became polygamous, she had already spent her dowry.

She highlighted some benefits she has experienced as the first wife in a polygamous marriage, including:

• More time for personal interests, career, and children
• Shared responsibilities with co-wives, which reduces family pressure and in-law issues

However, she said she could not see any advantage for the man in a polygamous setup and encouraged people to make choices that best suit them.

Nasir El-Rufai has three wives in total: Hadiza Isma El-Rufai, Asia Ahmad El-Rufai, and Aisha Ummi Garba El-Rufai.