The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar, recently hosted Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, at his palace in Sokoto. This meeting took place on September 28, 2026, as part of the NDC's engagements with traditional and community leaders ahead of the 2027 general elections. The delegation included Dr. Shamsu Haido, the party's Sokoto State governorship candidate, and other party members.
The meeting provided an opportunity for Obi and Kwankwaso to formally present their political aspirations to the Sultan and seek his prayers and goodwill ahead of the elections. According to the Sultan's media team, the engagement was part of the NDC's wider political consultations across the country. The Sultan reiterated his position that the traditional institution would remain open to politicians seeking elective offices, irrespective of their political parties.
This is not the first time the Sultan has received a political delegation. About two weeks prior, he hosted the All Progressives Congress, APC, 2027 Presidential Campaign Council, led by Senator Abdul-Aziz Abubakar Yari. The APC delegation included prominent members such as Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris, and Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal. During that meeting, Yari stated that the APC delegation sought the Sultan's prayers, guidance, and counsel as the party prepared for the 2027 election.
The Sultan used both meetings to emphasize the importance of peaceful political activities. He urged politicians to conduct their campaigns peacefully and focus on issues affecting Nigerians. He also advised voters to carefully consider the promises of political parties and candidates before making their choices in the election. The Sultan warned politicians against turning insecurity and other national challenges into instruments of political division.
Following the meeting with Obi and Kwankwaso, the Sultan again stressed the need for politicians and their supporters to conduct themselves responsibly. He urged them to respect one another and avoid language or actions capable of creating tension among Nigerians. The monarch emphasized the importance of protecting the unity of the country during the election period. Kwankwaso acknowledged the Sultan's reception, describing the meeting as an opportunity to meet with the traditional ruler.
The delegation's meeting with the Sultan was not presented as an endorsement of the NDC ticket. Instead, the Sultan's media team described his role as that of a father figure to Nigerians aspiring to political office, regardless of their political affiliation. The NDC candidates also engaged residents and party supporters in Sokoto State, holding a town hall meeting where issues such as insecurity, poverty, education, and national development were discussed.
The Sultan's engagements with various political groups have placed the Sultanate Palace in Sokoto among the traditional institutions being visited by major political groups as preparations for the 2027 election gather momentum. The meetings have also demonstrated the Sultan's commitment to providing himself as a father figure to all Nigerians aspiring to political offices in 2027 without favoring any political group.
Key points
- The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar, received Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, presidential and vice-presidential candidates of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, at his palace in Sokoto.
- The meeting was part of the NDC's engagements with traditional and community leaders ahead of the 2027 general elections.
- The Sultan emphasized the importance of peaceful political activities and urged politicians to conduct themselves responsibly during the election period.
