Sultan Urges Obi, Kwankwaso, Other Politicians To Promote Peace Ahead Of 2027

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has urged politicians and their supporters to maintain peaceful conduct as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.

The Sultan made the call on Monday when the presidential and vice-presidential candidates of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi and 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 members of the party.

The visit formed part of the party’s consultations with traditional rulers and community leaders ahead of the elections.

The Sultan said politicians had the constitutional right to present their manifestos, programmes and ideas to Nigerians and seek their support.

He, however, urged political actors to exercise those rights responsibly, within the law and with respect for people who hold different political views.

He also cautioned politicians and their supporters against insults, abusive language and inflammatory statements that could heighten political tensions or contribute to violence.

According to the Sultan, political activities should not create hatred, division or hostility among Nigerians.

He urged political leaders to place the peace, unity and interests of Nigeria above political differences, stressing that political offices were temporary while national stability remained important to the country’s development.

The monarch further called on candidates seeking elective offices to lead by example and ensure their supporters conduct themselves peacefully.

He said political campaigns should focus on issues rather than personal attacks or activities capable of creating divisions among communities.

The Sultan’s warning followed a visit by members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council on September 14, led by its Director-General, Senator Abdul-Aziz Abubakar Yari.

The APC delegation included Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu and the governors of Kebbi and Zamfara states.

According to the Sultan’s media team, both the NDC and APC delegations discussed national issues, presented their political plans and sought the monarch’s royal blessings.

Speaking during Monday’s visit, Obi thanked the Sultan for receiving the delegation and granting them an audience.

He said the meeting was part of the NDC’s wider consultations with traditional rulers and community leaders ahead of the 2027 elections.

The call for peaceful political engagement comes after presidential candidates and political parties participating in the 2027 elections signed a National Peace Accord in Abuja in August. The accord committed political actors to peaceful and issue-based campaigns.