By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has cautioned politicians against using insults and inflammatory remarks as the 2027 general elections approach.
The Sultan warned that such conduct could raise tensions and potentially trigger violence within communities.
He spoke on Monday when the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, visited him at his palace in Sokoto.
Obi and Kwankwaso were accompanied by the party’s Sokoto State governorship candidate, Shamsu Haido, and other party members.
According to a statement signed by the Sultan’s Media Team head, Prince Bashir Adefaka, the monarch said political activities should not be used to create hatred, hostility or division among Nigerians.
The statement reads: “His Eminence, particularly, cautioned politicians and their supporters across parties against the use of abusive language, insults and inflammatory statements, warning that such conduct could heighten tensions and potentially lead to violence within communities.
“Politicians have the constitutional and democratic right to present their manifestos, programmes and ideas to the electorate and seek the support of the people.”
Abubakar, however, urged politicians to exercise their democratic rights with decorum and within the provisions of the law while respecting other candidates, political parties and Nigerians with opposing political views.
The Sultan also stressed the need for political actors to place Nigeria’s interests and peace above their individual political differences.
He noted that political positions were temporary, while the unity, peace and stability of the country remained essential to its development.
The monarch further urged political leaders, particularly those seeking elective positions, to lead by example and demonstrate the conduct they expect from their supporters.
He also called on politicians to ensure that campaigns and other political engagements do not descend into personal attacks, hostility or actions capable of creating divisions among communities and citizens.
