Sokoto — The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, on Monday received the presidential and vice-presidential candidates of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, at his palace in Sokoto.
The courtesy visit formed part of the NDC’s ongoing consultations with traditional rulers and community leaders ahead of the 2027 general elections. The delegation included the party’s Sokoto State governorship candidate, Dr. Shamsu Haido, and other party faithful.
Upon their arrival at Sadiq Abubakar III International Airport in Sokoto, Obi and Kwankwaso proceeded directly to the Sultan’s palace. According to a statement by Prince Bashir Adefaka on behalf of the Sultan’s media team, the politicians used the opportunity to discuss national issues, brief the monarch on their political aspirations, and seek his royal blessings.
Speaking during the meeting, the Sultan called on politicians and their supporters across all parties to conduct their political activities peacefully and responsibly. He stressed that politics must not become a tool for dividing Nigerians or fostering hatred, hostility, and unnecessary tension.
The monarch particularly cautioned against the use of abusive language, insults, and inflammatory statements, warning that such conduct could escalate tensions and potentially lead to violence in communities. He affirmed that politicians have a constitutional and democratic right to present their manifestos, programmes, and ideas to the electorate and seek public support. However, he urged them to exercise this right with decorum, within the law, and with respect for other candidates, parties, and citizens holding different views.
The Sultan emphasised that political offices are temporary, while the unity, peace, and stability of Nigeria remain essential for the country’s development. He charged political leaders, especially those seeking elective positions, to lead by example and ensure their campaigns do not degenerate into personal attacks or actions capable of creating divisions among communities.
The visit came about two weeks after the Sultan hosted members of the 2027 All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, led by its Director-General, Senator Abdul-Aziz Abubakar Yari, alongside Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu and the governors of Kebbi and Zamfara states on September 14. Both political groups used their visits to discuss national matters, share their plans, and seek royal blessings, underscoring the Sultan’s role as a father figure open to all political actors without favouritism.
Earlier in the meeting, Peter Obi expressed appreciation to the Sultan for granting the audience. He thanked the monarch for his hospitality and described the visit as part of the NDC’s broader engagement with traditional and community leaders.
The Sultan was accompanied by senior traditional title holders, including Prof. Sambo Wali (Wazirin Sokoto), Alhaji Rilwanu Bello (Magajin Rafin Sokoto), Alhaji Aliyu Attahiru Galadanchi (Galadiman Garin Sokoto), Alhaji Muhammad Jabbi Kilgori (Sa’in Kilgori), Usman Shehu Abubakar (Fagacin Sokoto), and Alhaji Saidu Maccido (Secretary of the Sultanate Council).
The engagement reflects the intensifying political consultations across Nigeria as parties and candidates prepare for the 2027 elections, with traditional institutions continuing to play a stabilising role in national discourse.
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