SOKOTO — The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has urged politicians and their supporters to conduct their activities peacefully and avoid rhetoric capable of heightening tension ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Sultan gave the advice when he received the presidential and vice-presidential candidates of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Mr Peter Obi and Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, respectively, at his palace in Sokoto.
The delegation also included the NDC governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Dr Shamsu Haido, and other party members.
According to a statement issued by the Sultan’s Media Team and signed by Prince Bashir Adefaka, the visit formed part of the NDC’s political consultations with traditional rulers and community leaders ahead of the 2027 elections.
The statement said the delegation used the visit to discuss national issues and forthcoming political activities, formally inform the Sultan of their political aspirations and seek his royal blessings.
The Sultan said politicians had the constitutional and democratic right to present their manifestos, programmes and ideas to the electorate and seek the support of the people.
He, however, urged political actors to exercise that right responsibly, with decorum, within the provisions of the law and with respect for other candidates, political parties and Nigerians holding different political views.
The monarch particularly cautioned politicians and their supporters across parties against abusive language, insults and inflammatory statements, warning that such conduct could heighten tensions and potentially lead to violence within communities.
He said political activities should not be allowed to create hatred, hostility, division or unnecessary tension among Nigerians.
The Sultan urged political actors to place the interests, peace and unity of Nigeria above their political differences, noting that political positions were temporary, while the unity, peace and stability of the country remained essential to its development.
He also called on political leaders, particularly those seeking elective offices, to lead by example and ensure that their campaigns did not degenerate into personal attacks, hostility or actions capable of dividing communities and citizens.
The Sultan explained that his reception of politicians from different political parties was part of his fatherly role and said he was committed to providing a father figure to Nigerians aspiring to political office without favouritism.
The NDC visit came about two weeks after the Sultan received the 2027 All Progressives Congress, APC, Presidential Campaign Council led by its Director-General, Sen. Abdul-Aziz Abubakar Yari, on September 14.
The APC delegation included Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu and the governors of Kebbi and Zamfara states, among other members. The Sultan’s Media Team said both political groups used their visits to discuss national affairs, outline their political plans and seek royal blessings.
Speaking after the meeting, Obi thanked the Sultan for receiving the delegation and granting them an audience, describing the visit as part of the NDC’s wider consultations with traditional and community leaders.
Kwankwaso also expressed appreciation for the reception, describing the Sultan’s welcome, leadership and hospitality as deeply appreciated in a statement posted after the visit.
