SULTAN URGES POLITICIANS TO PRIORITISE PEACE & UNITY AHEAD OF 2027 ELECTIONS

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has called on politicians and their supporters to maintain peace, restraint and responsible conduct as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.

The Sultan made the appeal when he received the Presidential Candidate and Vice Presidential Candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, respectively, at his palace in Sokoto.

According to a statement issued by Prince Bashir Adefaka on behalf of the Sultan’s Media Team, the visit formed part of the delegation’s ongoing political engagements and consultations with traditional rulers and community leaders across the country. The visit came about two weeks after the Sultan received the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council delegation led by its Director-General, Senator Abdul-Aziz Abubakar Yari.

The Sultan urged politicians and their supporters to avoid abusive language, personal insults and inflammatory statements during the political campaign. He warned that provocative rhetoric could increase political tensions and create conditions that may lead to violence.

He stressed that political actors have the constitutional and democratic right to present their manifestos, programmes, policies and ideas to Nigerians. However, he said such engagements should be conducted peacefully, respectfully and in accordance with the provisions of the law.

The Sultan further called on political leaders to put the interests, unity, peace and stability of Nigeria ahead of personal and partisan differences. He reminded politicians that political positions are temporary and should therefore not be allowed to undermine the country’s long-term peace and cohesion.

Earlier, Peter Obi expressed appreciation to the Sultan for receiving the delegation. He explained that the visit was part of their broader political consultations and engagements with traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders ahead of the 2027 general elections.