The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has urged politicians and their supporters to maintain peace in their activities ahead of the 2027 general elections. He made the call on Monday when the presidential and vice-presidential candidates of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, visited him at his palace in Sokoto. The delegation also included the NDC governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Dr Shamsu Haido, and other party members.
The visit was part of the party’s consultations with traditional rulers and community leaders ahead of the elections. The Sultan emphasized that politicians have the constitutional right to present their manifestos, programmes, and ideas to Nigerians and seek their support. However, he urged them to exercise this right responsibly and within the law while respecting people with different political opinions. This call for responsible politics comes as various political groups begin to intensify their campaigns.
The Sultan warned politicians and their supporters against insults, abusive language, and inflammatory statements that could increase tension and trigger violence. He stressed that political activities should not be allowed to create hatred, division, or hostility among Nigerians. The Sultan’s warning is particularly significant given the country’s history of electoral violence and the need for peaceful coexistence.
The monarch further called on politicians, particularly those seeking elective positions, to lead by example and ensure their supporters followed peaceful conduct. He said campaigns should not turn into personal attacks or activities capable of causing divisions among communities. This advice is crucial in maintaining the country’s stability and unity, especially with the 2027 elections approaching.
The Sultan’s warning came about two weeks after he received members of the 2027 All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council led by its Director-General, Senator Abdul-Aziz Abubakar Yari. The APC delegation visited the Sultan on September 14 and included Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu as well as the governors of Kebbi and Zamfara states. Both political groups used their visits to discuss national issues, inform him of their political plans, and seek his royal blessings.
Speaking during Monday’s visit, Obi thanked the Sultan for receiving the delegation and giving them an audience. He said the visit was part of the NDC’s wider consultations with traditional rulers and community leaders. The NDC’s move to engage with traditional leaders is seen as a strategic effort to garner support and build a positive image ahead of the elections.
The Sultan’s call for peaceful politics has been echoed by various stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the country. As the 2027 elections approach, the role of traditional leaders and the need for responsible politics have become increasingly significant. The Sultan’s influence and stature are expected to play a crucial role in promoting peaceful coexistence and encouraging responsible behavior among politicians and their supporters.
Key points
- Sultan of Sokoto calls for peaceful politics ahead of 2027 elections
- Politicians urged to exercise their rights responsibly and within the law
- Traditional leaders play a crucial role in promoting peaceful coexistence
